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Tuna can be distinguished from other species due to the presence of stripes on the ventral area, usually 4 or 6 longitudinal stripes that are clearly visible from the belly and sides to the tail. The back is dark blue with purple traces, whereas the lower sides and the belly are silver. Pectoral and ventral fins are very short. Both dorsal fins are separated on the base by a small interstice. Teeth are small and conical. They don't have an air bladder and show from 53 to 63 denticles in the first gill arch, a lot more than in the rest of tuna species. Their pink meat is very appreciated and of great nutritional value.
It is a typical oceanic species that can be found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are very common in the Atlantic tropical areas. Their geographical distribution in Western Atlantic includes from Massachusetts (USA) during summertime, to Brazil. They usually form big schools together with blackfin tuna of Western Atlantic.