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Australian bonito (Sarda australis) — Scombridae

Australian bonito

Sarda australis
Family: Scombridae
LC · Least Concern

The Australian bonito (Sarda australis) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 180 cm.

Length
180 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Australian bonito is a mackerel relative (Scombridae) from the southwestern Pacific. The species has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped, steel-blue body with dark oblique stripes on the back and a deeply forked tail. It forms schools by size and is a fast, sight-hunting predator that preys on small schooling fishes and squids. Its light-coloured flesh is of delicate flavour and it is a valued sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian bonito?

The Australian bonito has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Australian bonito live?

The Australian bonito lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Australian bonito get?

The Australian bonito grows to a maximum of about 180 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.

Is the Australian bonito dangerous to humans?

No, the Australian bonito is harmless to humans.

Is the Australian bonito edible?

Yes, the Australian bonito is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Australische bonito sourced
English name
Australian bonito verified
Scientific name
Sarda australis
Family
Scombridae
Other names
Australian bonito; Bonito verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
180.0 verified
Average length (cm)
45.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Sportvissen met kunstaas of (dood/levend) aasvis door te trollen, te werpen of drijvend te vissen in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Sarda

More from the family Scombridae

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