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Taxonomy and key for the identification of tuna species exploited from the
Indian EEZ

Article  in  Indian Journal of Fisheries · September 2012

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Indian J. Fish., 59(3) : 53-60, 2012 53

Taxonomy and key for the identification of tuna species

exploited from the Indian EEZ
K. K. JOSHI, E. M. ABDUSSAMAD, K.P. SAIDKOYA, PRATHIBHA ROHIT,
SHUBHADEEP GHOSH, K.R. SREENATH, M. BENI, K. K. BINEESH
AND K.V. AKHILESH
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi - 682 018, Kerala, India
e-mail:joshyguru@[Link]

ABSTRACT
Tuna samples were collected from the commercial landings at Kochi, Tuticorin, Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, Veraval and
Lakshadweep at regular intervals during 2006-2010. Detailed morphometric data, viz., height of dorsal and anal fins, eye
diameter, snout length, head height and height of body were collected. Otoliths were collected from eight species and
analysed. Results indicated that structure and shape of the otoliths show species specific differences. Taxonomic details of
tunas and tuna like species have been generated from the present as well as past studies and the species were redescribed
with color photographs and keys for identification. The species included Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788), Thunnus
obesus (Lowe, 1839), Thunnus tonggol (Bleeker, 1851), Sarda orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844), Katsuwonus pelamis
(Linnaeus, 1758), Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849), Auxis thazard (Lacepède, 1800), Auxis rochei (Risso, 1810) and
Gymnosarda unicolor (Rüppell 1836).
Keywords: Indian EEZ, Key for identification, Otolith, Species specific, Taxonomy, Tuna

Introduction on the family scombridae from the Indian seas have been
made by Jones and Silas (1960; 1963a) and Silas and Pillai
Fisheries resources constitute one of the most important
(1982). Most of the taxonomic descriptions were based on
renewable resources from the nature. With increasing fishing
the morphological data of the specimens. Otolith studies
pressure, the only option left for the sustainability of the
are useful in validating taxonomic descriptions. Harkonen
fisheries, is their rational management of the fishery. Proper
(1986) described otolith shapes for north-east Atlantic fishes.
management is possible with a thorough knowledge of the
The morphological characteristics of fish otoliths are highly
dynamics of the fish stocks. For a meaningful study of the
variable between species, ranging from simple disc shape
dynamics, knowledge of natural history of the species is
in flatfish to irregular shape in other fishes (Hunt, 1992).
necessary and this in turn can be acquired by the correct
Ototlith growth is related to increase in size of the fish and
identification of fish species. This assumes greater importance
generally follows an allometric increase in dimension
in tropical seas where, a multitude of closely resembling
(Chilton and Beamish, 1982). An attempt has been made in
species occurs. As even the closely resembling species may
the present study to see if there are morphological
vary widely in biological characteristics, the role of taxonomy
differences between otoliths of eight species of tuna collected
cannot be overstressed in studies on population dynamics.
from the Indian coast. The present paper describes important
The present study, is an attempt towards understanding the
taxonomic key characters along with otolith characters of
diversity of tuna species of Indian seas with emphasis on
tunas species of Indian seas.
developing a key for identification using minimum characters.
Materials and methods
Day (1878), described four species of the family
scombridae from the Indian waters and Munro (1955) Specimens for the study were collected from
described twelve species of tuna from neighbouring commercial landings at Kochi, Tuticorin, Mangalore,
Sri Lanka. Several authors contributed to the taxonomy of Vishakhapatnam, Veraval and Lakshadweep during
tunas from the Indian seas during the past (Kishinouye, 1923; 2006-2010. After noting colour and pigmentation of the
Smith, 1949; Fraser Brunner, 1951; Jones, 1958; Jones and fresh specimens, they were injected with 5% formalin and
Silas, 1960, 1963a,b,c; 1964; Silas, 1963b, c, 1964; then stored in 5% formalin. After taking biometric data,
Nair et al., 1970). Comprehensive and thorough descriptions the belly was cut open to note the sex. In most species,
Joshi et al. 54

30 specimens were examined for describing the species. 6a. Body naked, several black spots on pectoral and pelvic
However, for species, which are rare in the catches, the fin bases ......................................... Euthynnus affinis
descriptions were, perforce, based on smaller numbers. In
6b. Body covered with small scales behind the corselet,
taking meristic and morphometric data, the methodology
no black spots on body, pectoral rays 30-36
of Hubbs and Lagler (1947) was followed. All the linear
............................................................ (Thunnus) .... 7
measurements were made in the median longitudinal axis.
Counts of pectoral rays, pelvic rays and lateral line scales 7a. Ventral surface of liver with striations ..................... 8
were made only on the left side of the specimen. Height of 7b. Ventral surface of liver without striations .............. 10
dorsal and anal fins, eye diameter, snout length, head height
and height of body were taken to the nearest mm using 8a. Gill rakers 31-43, pectoral fin short .... Thunnus maccoyii
vernier calipers. Counts of lateral line scales and fin rays 8b. Gill rakers 23-31, pectoral fin moderate or long ..... 9
were made under a binocular stereozoom microscope.
Otoliths of fish were collected using a sharp knife and a 9a. Pectoral fins very long, caudal fin with white posterior
pair of forceps. A vertical cut was made at the top of skull border ............................................ Thunnus alalunga
(about 1 cm behind the eyes), to expose the brain and the 9b. Pectoral fin short, caudal fin without white posterior
otoliths removed carefully. The otoliths collected were border .............................................. Thunnus obesus
cleaned with water and stored in a dry paper envelope.
Photomicrographs of the otoltihs were taken using binocular 10a. Gill rakers 26-34; 20 broken vertical lines on body
stereozoom microscope under 10x objective. Linear ..................................................... Thunnus albacares
measurement of otolith was done using image analyser 10b. Gill rakers 19 to 27, body with colourless elongate
software. The classification and nomenclature by Collette spots ................................................ Thunnus tonggol
and Nauen (1983) was adopted.
A total of 9 species of commercially important tunas
Results and discussion collected and identified from the seas around India are listed
below:
Key to tuna species of Indian seas
Description of species
A key for the identification of tuna species was
developed including new findings and modifying past Euthynnus Lütken [C. F.] in Jordan & Gilbert, 1883
results available (Collette, 2001). (Type species: Thynnus thunina Cuvier, 1829)
1a. Five to eleven narrow, dark longitudinal stripes on Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849) (Fig.1; Table 1)
upper part of the body, no teeth on tongue ............... 2
1b. Body without stripes or dark spots above lateral line
................................................................................... 3
2a. Gill rakers 8-13, first dorsal spine 17-19, pectoral fins
short .................................................... Sarda orientalis
2b. Gill rakers 11-14, first dorsal spine 13-15
................................................. Gymnosarda unicolor
3a. First and second dorsal fins are widely separated, first Fig. 1. Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849)
dorsal spine 10-12 ..... (Auxis) ................................ 4 Thynnus affinis Cantor, 1849, Journal and Proceedings
3b. First and second dorsal fin base not separated, first of the Asiatic Society of Bengal v. 18 (pt 2); (type locality:
dorsal spine 12-16 ................................................... 5 Sea of Penang, Malaysia [Malacca Strait, eastern Indian
Ocean]. Holotype (unique): BMNH 1860.3.19.214 (skin).
4a. Gill rakers 36- 42; 15 oblique dark wavy lines
.............................................................. Auxis thazard Common name: Kawakawa/Little tunny
4b. Gill rakers 43-48; 15 broad vertical dark bars Description: Body elongate, fusiform and [Link]
................................................................ Auxis rochei dorsal fins and first with 11 to 14 spines. First and second
dorsal fins are separated by a narrow interspace. First dorsal
5a. Gill rakers 53-63, four to six dark longitudinal stripes fin spines are high in the front and lower towards the tail.
on belly…...........................……Katsuwonus pelamis 8-10 dorsal finlets present. Dorsal coloration is dark grey
5b. Gill rakers 19- 45, no dark longitudinal stripes on belly and back has a large patch of irregular wavy lines. Ventral
.................................................................................. 6 colour is silvery grey with some dark spots found below
Taxonomy and key for identification of tuna species 55

the pectoral fin. Otoliths are more elongated with median Thunnus tonggol (Bleeker, 1851) (Fig. 3; Table 1)
groove. (Fig.10 A). Otoliths have a larger semicircular
postrostrum region and a smaller rostrum region. Ventral
edge is flattened and dorsal edge with a median groove.
Nucleus is located almost in the middle of the otolith.
Distribution: Widely distributed along the Indian coasts,
contributing to the fishery, along with other species,
especially along the west coast of India. Occurrence known
from Veraval, Mangalore, Calicut, Cochin, Tuticorin, Fig. 3. Thunnus tonggol Bleeker, 1851
Mandapam, Porto Novo, Madras, Visakhapatnam and
Kakinada.
Thynnus tonggol Bleeker 1851, Natuurkundig
Thunnus South, 1845, Scomber thynnus Linnaeus, 1758 Tijdschriftvoo rNederlandsch Indië v. 1, (type locality:
Batavia [Jakarta, Java, Indonesia, Java Sea, eastern Indian
(Type species: Thynnus thunina Cuvier, 1829)
Ocean]. Neotype: RMNH 6406. Neotype designated by
Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) (Fig. 2; Table 1) Boeseman, 1964.
Common name: Longtail tuna
Description: Body fusiform and rounded. Two dorsal fins
separated by a narrow interspace. Caudal peduncle long
with a strong keel between 2 smaller keels. Second dorsal
fin higher than the first dorsal. 9 dorsal and 8 anal finlets
present. Dorsal colour is dark blue and ventral is silvery
white with colourless elongate oval spots. Otolith shape
Fig. 2. Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) similar to T. albacares (Fig.10 C). Rostrum is semicircular
and forms a groove towards the nuclear region. Postrostrum
Scomber albacares Bonnaterre, (ex Sloane) 1788, is slightly oblique than in Thunnus albacore. Ventral edge
Tableau encyclopédiqueet méthodique des troisrègnes de is flattened with circular margin and dorsal edge is more
la nature. Ichthyologie. (type locality: Jamaica [Caribbean pointed. Nucleus is situated more towards rostral side. Left
Sea]). No types known. Based on ‘Albicores’ of Sloane lobe of the liver is small and curved downwards
1707:11-12, Fig. 1. (Fig. 11 B).
Common name: Yellowfin tuna Distribution: Widely distributed along the Indian coast,
contributing to the fishery, along with other species,
Description: Body elongate, fusiform and slightly especially along the west coast of India. Distribution known
compressed. Two dorsal fins separated by a narrow from Veraval, Mangalore, Cochin, Tuticorin, Porto Novo,
interspace. Dorsal and anal fins are very long in large Madras, Visakhapatnam and Kakinada.
specimens. Pectoral fin is moderately long and reaching
beyond second dorsal fin. Body with small scales. Caudal Thunnus obesus (Lowe, 1839) (Fig. 4; Table 1)
peduncle very slender. Dorsal colouration is metallic dark
blue changing through yellow to silver on belly. Dorsal
and anal fins, dorsal and anal finlets bright yellow. Otolith
is horse shoe shaped (Fig. 10 B). It has smooth edged
rostrum and postrostrum. Ventral edge is flattened and
curved, whereas dorsal edge is perpendicular and curved
towards upper side. Nucleus is in the middle of the otolith.
Right lobe of liver much longer than left or central lobes
(Fig. 11 A).
Distribution: Widely distributed along the Indian coast, Fig. 4. Thunnus obesus (Lowe, 1839)
contributing to the fishery, along with other species,
especially along the west coast of India. Distribution known Thynnus obesus Lowe, 1839, Proceedings of the
from Veraval, Mangalore, Calicut, Cochin, Mandapam, General Meetings for Scientific Business of the Zoological
Tuticorin, Porto Novo, Madras, Visakhapatnam and Society of London 1839 (pt 7); (type locality: Madeira,
Kakinada. eastern Atlantic. No types known.
Joshi et al. 56

Common name: Bigeye tuna especially along the west coast of India. It is known from
Mangalore, Calicut, Cochin, Tuticorin, Mandapam and
Description: Body fusiform, robust and slightly compressed
Lakshadweep.
laterally. Two dorsal fins separated by a narrow interspace.
8-10 dorsal finlets. Pectoral fin moderately long in large Katsuwonus Kishinouye, 1915
specimens but very long in smaller specimens. Dorsal
(Type species: Scomber pelamis Linnaeus, 1758)
colour is metallic dark blue and ventral is whitish, a lateral
iridescent blue band along sides in live specimens, finlets Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Fig. 6; Table 1)
bright yellow edged with black. Left and right lobes of the
liver are smaller in length than the middle lobe
(Fig. 11 C).
Distribution: Widely distributed along the oceanic waters
of Indian coast, contributing to the fishery, along with other
species, especially along the west coast of India. It is known
from Lakshadweep and Andaman Nicobar Islands.
Sarda Cuvier, 1829 Fig. 6. Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus, 1758)
(Type species: Scomber sarda Bloch, 1793)
Scomber pelamis Linnaeus 1758, Systema Naturae,
Sarda orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) Ed. X. v. 1; Pelagic, between the tropics. No types known.
(Fig. 5; Table 1) Spelled pelamys in early literature
Common name: Skipjack tuna
Description: Body elongate, rounded and robust. Two
dorsal fins separated by small interspace 7 to 9 dorsal finlets
and 7 to 8 finlets. A strong keel on each side at the base of
caudal fin between 2 smaller keels. Dorsal colour is dark
purplish blue and ventral is silvery white with 4 to 6 very
Fig. 5. Sarda orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) conspicuous longitudinal dark bands. Otolith of K. pelamis
is similar to the otolith of E. affinis and T. albacares
Pelamys orientalis Temminck & Schlegel, 1844, (Fig. 10 E). It is short and rounded. Rostrum and
Pl. 52, Fauna Japonica, sivedescriptio animalium quae in postrostrum equal in size. Ventral edge flattened and
itinere per Japoniam. Parts 5-6; (type locality: Nagasaki, pointed; dorsal edge flattened and circular. Nucleus is in
Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Lectotype: RMNH D2286 upper side of rostrum.
(dry). Paralectotypes: RMNH D842 (1, dry), 1244
(1, stuffed but in alcohol). Distribution: Widely distributed along the Indian coast,
contributing to the fishery, along with other species,
Common name: Striped bonito especially along the west coast (Lakshadweep) of India. It
Description: Body small and slender. Large mouth and is known from Veraval, Mangalore, Calicut, Cochin,
upper jaw elongate reaching beyond the hind margin of Vizhinjam, Tuticorin, Mandapam, Porto Novo, Madras,
eye. 7 to 9 dorsal and 6 to7 anal finlets. Lateral line wavy. Visakhapatnam and Kakinada.
Body covered with minute scales. Dorsal side steel blue Auxis Cuvier, 1829
with 5-11 oblique stripes on back. Ventral side is silvery
white. First dorsal fin solid black. (Type species: Scomber rochei Risso, 1810)

Otolith of Sarda orientalis differ from that of E. affinis, Auxis rochei (Risso, 1810) (Fig. 7; Table 1)
T. albacore and T. tonggol in morphology and structure
(Fig.10 D). Rostrum is small narrow tongue shaped,
whereas the postrostrum is rectangular in shape with
grooves along the margin. Ventral edge is stout and pointing
and dorsal edge is flat with groove. Nucleus is in the upper
portion of rostrum.
Distribution: Widely distributed along the Indian coast,
contributing to the fishery, along with other species, Fig. 7. Auxis rochei (Risso, 1810)
Taxonomy and key for identification of tuna species 57

Scomber rochei Risso 1810, Ichthyologie de Nice, ou especially along the west coast of India. It is known from
histoire naturelle des poissons du département des Alpes Veraval, Mangalore, Calicut, Cochin, Vizhinjam, Tuticorin,
Maritimes (type locality: Nice, France, Northwestern Mandapam, Porto Novo, Madras, Visakhapatnam and
Mediterranean Sea. Holotype: MNHN A-5808. Kakinada.
Common name: Bullet tuna Gymnosarda Gill, 1862
Description: Body elongate, rounded and robust. Two (Type species: Thynnus (Pelamis) unicolor Rüppell, 1836)
dorsal fins separated by wide interspace. 8 dorsal finlets
Gymnosarda unicolor (Rüppell, 1836) (Fig. 9; Table 1)
and 7 anal finlets. Pectoral fin short not reaching vertical
line from anterior margin of scaleless areas. Dorsal colour
is bluish and black on head. 15 broad vertical bars in the
dorsal scaleless area. Ventral colour is white.
Otolith of A. rochei shows similarity to A. thazard and
K. pelamis (Fig. 10 G). It has broad postrostrum and a
medium rostrum. Dorsal edge is flattened and rectangular
in shape. Ventral edge is also flattened with a small curve
in the lower portion. Nucleus is in the middle of the otolith Fig. 9. Gymnosarda unicolor (Rüppell, 1836)
at equal distance from rostrum and postrostrum.
Distribution: Widely distributed along the Indian coast, Thynnus (Pelamis) unicolor Rüppell, 1836, Pl. 12
contributing to the inshore fishery, along with other species, (fig. 1) Fische des RothenMeeres. Frankfurt-am-Main,
especially along the south-west and south-east coasts of (type locality: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Red Sea. Holotype
India. It is known from Mangalore, Calicut, Cochin, (unique): SMF 2739 (stuffed).
Vizhinjam, Tuticorin, Mandapam, Porto Novo and Madras. Common name: Dogtooth tuna
Auxis thazard (Lacepède, 1800) (Fig. 8; Table 1) Description: Body elongate and moderately compressed.
Two dorsal fins and the interspace small. Large mouth
with upper jaw ending in line with the middle of eye.
Interpelvic process large and single. Dorsal colour is blue
black and ventral side is silvery. No lines, spots and other
markings on the body. Otolith of G. unicolor is unique,
petal shaped (Fig. 10 F). Rostrum is small and tapering
and postrostrum is large with spherical margin. Nucleus is
in the rostrum side
Fig. 8. Auxis thazard (Lacepède, 1800)
Distribution: Widely distributed along the Indian coast,
contributing to the fishery, along with other species,
Scomber thazard Lacepède (ex Commerson) 1800, especially along the west coast of India. It is known from
Histoire naturelle des poissons. v. 2; (type locality: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Calicut, Cochin and
Kampung Loleba, Wasile District, Halmahera Island, Lakshadweep.
Moluccas [Maluku], Indonesia, Halmahera Sea, western
Pacific) , 0°58’N, 127°56’E. Neotype: USNM 265418 The present study on the taxonomy of tuna species of
India is an attempt to provide adequate descriptions of all
Common name: Frigate tuna known species from Indian waters, and also to sort out
Description: Body elongate, robust and rounded. Two various issues relating to identification of species. Key
dorsal fins separated by a wide interspace. 8 dorsal finlets. for the identification of different species have been
15 oblique horizontal dark wavy line in the dorsal area. developed using minimum characters as compared to the
Dorsal colour is bluish and black on the head. previous studies (Jones and Silas,1960; Silas and Pillai,
1982; Collette and Nauen, 1983; Collette, 2001). The
Otolith of A. thazard is slightly stouter than that of
description of the otolith and the photographs are of the
A. rochei (Fig. 10 H). Rostrum and postrostrum are almost
first of its kind on the taxonomy of tuna species which
equal in size and with curved edges. Dorsal and ventral
shows species specific differences in morphology and
edges are flattened with grooves near nucleus.
structure. The results of studies on the otolith might provide
Distribution: Widely distributed along the Indian coast, information related to the taxonomy as well as other
contributing to the fishery, along with other species, biological aspects of tuna species.
Joshi et al. 58

Euthinnus affinis Thunnus albacares

Thunnus tonggol Sarda orientalis

Katsuwonus pelamis Gymnosarda unicolor

Auxis rochei Auxis thazard

Fig. 10.A-H. Photomicrographs of otoliths of tuna species collected from the Indian seas during 2006-2010

Fig. [Link] of (A) Thunnus albacares, (B) Thunnus tonggol and (C) Thunnus obesus
Taxonomy and key for identification of tuna species 59

Table 1. Taxonomic characters of tuna species occurring along the coast of India
Species Gillrakers First dorsal Markings Markings on Length of Finlets
spines on upper lower body pectoral fin
body
Euthynnus affinis 53-63 11-14 Wavy lines Lower body with Pectoral fin short Dusky
on the back 4-6 dark longitudinal and broad
stripes on belly
Thunnus albacares 26-34 12-14 Dark blue 20 broken vertical Moderately long Yellow
lines
Thunnus tonggol 19-27 13-15 Dark blue Silvery white with Short to moderately Yellow
colourless elongate long
oval spots
Thunnus obesus 23-31 14-16 Metallic dark blue Whitish lateral Moderately long Bright
iridescent blue band Yellow with
along sides black edge
Sarda orientalis 8-13 17-19 5 to 11 dark Silvery white Short Dusky
oblique stripes
Katsuwonus pelamis 53-63 14-16 Dark purplish blue 4 - 6 longitudinal Short Dusky
dark bands
Auxis rochei 43-48 10-12 Bluish 15 broad vertical Short Dusky
dark bars
Auxis thazard 36-42 10-12 Bluish 15 oblique dark Short Dusky
wavy lines
Gymnosarda unicolor 11-14 13-15 Blue black No lines dots Short Blackish

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Date of Receipt : 13.02.2012

Date of Acceptance : 25.07.2012

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