9 FUN FACTS ABOUT BLUE FIN TUNA

Bluefin Tuna is one of the largest, fastest and most spectacular fish in the world. It is considered a protected species of controlled fishing regulations.

1. A Good Giant
It can reach 3.60m in length. The largest on record was caught in Nova Scotia and weighed 679 kg.

2. Very fast
Their streamlined bodies are designed for speed and low water resistance. They swim at average speeds of 5.9 km/h and a maximum of between 13 and 40 km/h.

3. Big Stomachs
Its great energy consumption makes it a very voracious animal, feeding on fish such as mackerel, anchovies and sardines, as well as squid and crustaceans.

4. In The Rising Sun
Japan consumes 80% of the world's bluefin tuna. Mitsubishi, famous for its cars and electronic products, with 40% of the market, is the largest owner of bluefin tuna in the world, accumulating thousands of tons of frozen bluefin tuna at -60ºC.

5. Millions Of Roe
It can produce up to 75-100 million eggs a year, but only a small fraction survive to adulthood. They reproduce only once a year and they do not reach reproductive maturity until they are 3-4 years old.

6. More Than One Kind
Bluefin tuna is divided into three subspecies: Atlantic bluefin tuna, North Pacific bluefin tuna, and South Pacific bluefin tuna. In addition, there is a large number of other species of fish considered tuna: yellowfin tuna, albacore tuna, blackfin tuna, longtail tuna, skipjack tuna, bonitos, frigate whales, and little tuna.

7. Lots of Money
At the Tsukiji fish market (Tokyo), the largest fish market in the world, on January 7, 2013 at 5am, a 222 kg bluefin tuna was sold for €1,450,000 (€6,530/Kg!).

NOTE: Since the publication of this article a new record has been reached. A 278kg tuna was sold in Tokyo for 2.7 million Euros. €9,712/Kg.

8. Warm Blood
Bluefin tuna have a system of blood vessels called a marvelous network that allows them to warm up to 15º above the temperature of the water.

9. Sixth Sense
Bluefin tuna have a great sense of direction, being able to use their pineal window (a transparent membrane that covers the dorsal surface of the skull of certain fish) to track the sun and celestial signs. They make use of their highly developed visual and olfactory senses to stay on course or follow their prey.

JC Mackintosh Tuna is caught on demand year-round using the Japanese GreenStick® system. It's authentic Ike Jime quality wild bluefin tuna. The best bluefin tuna in the world.