The slender tuna (Allothunnus fallai), also known as the graceful tuna, is a small, streamlined species of tuna found primarily in the temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in the South Pacific and South Atlantic Oceans. Unlike its larger relatives, the slender tuna is less targeted by major commercial fisheries due to its modest size, typically reaching up to 1 meter in length. However, it is still harvested as bycatch in pelagic longline and purse seine fisheries targeting other tunas. The top countries involved in the capture of slender tuna include New Zealand, South Africa, and Chile, where the species is landed incidentally alongside more commercially valuable tunas such as albacore and skipjack. While not a primary target, slender tuna contributes to local fisheries and is used for both human consumption and bait, reflecting the diverse utilization of tuna resources in these regions.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | New Zealand | 587 |
2 | Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | 3 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.