Longtail Tuna

The most common tuna species in UAE inshore and nearshore waters, making it the tuna most likely to be encountered by UAE boat anglers. Built like all tunas — torpedo-shaped and incredibly fast — it travels in large schools and provides excellent sport on light to medium tackle. The Near Threatened conservation status reflects increasing fishing pressure across its range.

Species Stats

Diet

Small fish, squid, crustaceans

Habitat

Coastal and offshore pelagic waters, surface to mid-water

Local Name (Arabic)

كنعد طويل الذيل / بقل

Fun Facts

• 1

  Unlike most tunas, the Longtail Tuna has no swim bladder — it must keep swimming at all times or it will sink.

• 2

  Maintains a body temperature slightly higher than the surrounding water, giving it a metabolic edge over prey.

• 3

  UAE schools often follow baitfish blooms inshore — a feeding frenzy of Longtail Tuna on sardines is a spectacular sight.

Found In