How fast can a Pacific bluefin tuna swim?

Large individuals can reach swimming speeds of roughly 70 to 90 km/h, among the fastest of any fish.

Is the Pacific bluefin tuna endangered?

Its population fell to about 2% of historic levels by 2010 due to overfishing, but a 2024 stock assessment found it had recovered to roughly 23% of historic levels by 2020 following stricter fishing controls.

Pacific Bluefin Tunaクロマグロ

Thunnus orientalisLC— Least Concern

The Pacific bluefin tuna is a massive, fast-swimming predator of the North Pacific, capable of reaching 3 meters and over 400 kilograms. Prized in Japan's sushi markets for its rich, fatty meat, it keeps its body warmer than the surrounding ocean using a specialized blood vessel network, and its population, once severely overfished, has been recovering under stricter international management.

Pacific Bluefin Tuna (reference photo) — Photo: aes256 / CC BY 2.1 jp / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Scombriformes / Scombridae Source
Size: Exceeds 3 m at maximum; generally around 2 m
Weight: Maximum over 400–450 kg, with some reports of 550 kg
Lifespan: Sources vary, giving about 15 years or about 26 years
Diet: Carnivore Carnivorous, preying on other fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods (squid) during the day; does not feed at night
Distribution: Found primarily in the North Pacific from East Asia to western North America, with spawning grounds in the northwestern Philippine Sea and the Sea of Japan; some individuals migrate as far as the Eastern Pacific. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

It breathes by swimming continuously with its mouth open to force water over its gills, meaning it never truly sleeps, and large individuals can reach swimming speeds of 70 to 90 km/h. Source
A network of blood vessels called the retia mirabilia lets it keep its body temperature up to about 20°C warmer than the surrounding seawater, allowing it to stay active in cold water. Source
Overfishing drove the population down to about 2% of historic levels by 2010, but stricter management helped it recover to roughly 23% of historic levels by 2020, according to a 2024 stock assessment. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 5

Kagoshima City AquariumKagoshimaFrom Kagoshima-Chuo Station, take the tram (Route 2) to the Suizokukan-guchi stop and walk 8 minutes.

Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

A visit is a small, positive way to support the daily lives of the animals you care about.

Visit: A visit itself helps support the facility.
Animal Supporter Programs & Giving: Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
Furusato Nozei: Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.

FAQ

How fast can a Pacific bluefin tuna swim?: Large individuals can reach swimming speeds of roughly 70 to 90 km/h, among the fastest of any fish. Source
Is the Pacific bluefin tuna endangered?: Its population fell to about 2% of historic levels by 2010 due to overfishing, but a 2024 stock assessment found it had recovered to roughly 23% of historic levels by 2020 following stricter fishing controls. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 5 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org