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Artist Note: At times customers or anglers request us to use a reference photograph to paint by. If so our skilled artists will identify any unique characteristics in the photo which are later reflected in the completed paint scheme. This is why no two mounts are ever exactly alike and explains the differences you may see in the coloration of the various mounts. If you have a photo or description, please send it by email to [email protected]

• Scientific Name: Thunnus atlanticus
• Average Weight: 46 - 50 lbs
• Location & Habitat: It occurs only in the western Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts, south to Rio de Janeiro, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. The blackfin tuna is a migratory species, moving into more temperate waters during the summer months. Occurring in oceanic waters in close proximity to the coastline, the blackfin tuna prefers clean water and warm temperatures, usually seaward from the continental shelf. It is a strongly schooling, migratory fish, often forming large mixed schools with skipjack tuna. During the summer months, the blackfin tuna migrates to temperate waters remaining above 70°F . It is most abundant off the Florida coast during autumn, winter, and spring
• Biology: Blackfin tuna reach a maximum size of 39 inches in length and 46 pounds in weight. They are most frequently taken at an average size of approximately 19.75 inches, corresponding to a weight of about 7 pounds. Maturity is reached at lengths of 16-20 inches. The blackfin tuna may live past 5 years of age. Growth rates have been reported at .4-.6 inches per month.
• Physical Description: The blackfin tuna has a robust, fusiform body, with small, compact scales completely covering the body. The mouth is oblique and the maxillary jaw ends prior to the vertical from the center of the large eye. The corselet, a band of larger scales forming a circle around the body behind the head, is small and inconspicuous. Pectoral fins are moderately long, reaching below the origin of the second dorsal fin. There are separate finlets located behind the anal and dorsal fins. The lunate caudal fin has short keels at its base. Blackfin tuna swim primarily through movements of the caudal fin and body. The second spine on the dorsal fin is the highest with the first spine almost as high. The anal fin is similar in appearance to the soft, low dorsal fin. Anteriorly, the lateral line has a distinctive dip, descending posteriorly to the pectoral fin origin, then ascending to a point below the 3rd or 4th dorsal spine, then continuing straight to the caudal keel. The number of gill rakers, small, flesh-colored knobby structures located on the inside of each gill, can be used to distinguish young blackfin tuna from other tuna species. The blackfin tuna has only about 20-23 on the first arch, fewest of all the Atlantic tuna species. Most other species have approximately 30 or more gill rakers. The ventral surface of the liver, visible as a pink-red organ in the chest region when opening the body cavity, can also be used to positively identify the blackfin tuna. Other tuna species have striations on the ventral surface of the liver while on the blackfin tuna, this surface is smooth. A small swim bladder is present. The blackfin tuna has a bluish-black back with gray to silver sides and a white belly. A broad, brown stripe is located along the upper portion of the eye. There is a prominent yellow to golden-colored lateral band present on the sides, usually fading upon death. Small iridescent areas located on the sides of the abdomen are silvery. This area is sometimes marked with vertical rows of pale dots along with slightly elongate spots between these rows.