Tuna are fast, sleek, torpedo-shaped fish, capable of speeds up to 43 miles per hour. They are found across all oceans, from equatorial to subpolar latitudes. They hold a significant position in the ocean’s food web, preying on smaller fish and squid, and serving as prey for larger marine animals. Their ability to regulate body temperature allows them to thrive in varied water conditions.
Apex Predators of Tuna
Large shark species are prominent apex predators of adult tuna, including great white sharks and mako sharks. Great white sharks use ambush tactics, often attacking prey from below at high speeds with a powerful initial bite. Mako sharks are among the fastest shark species, capable of pursuing and catching swift prey like tuna and swordfish due to adaptations for speed, including symmetrical caudal fins and the ability to maintain a higher internal body temperature.
Thresher sharks also prey on tuna, using their elongated caudal fin, which can measure around 9 feet long. These sharks use their tails to deliver powerful blows, stunning schools of fish, including tuna, before consuming them.
Marine mammals, particularly orcas (killer whales), are another predator of tuna. Orcas are intelligent and often hunt cooperatively, allowing them to target large and fast-moving prey. Orcas are top predators in global oceans, preying on a wide range of species including large fish and other marine mammals. Their hunting strategies can be specialized; for instance, some orca pods target the lipid-rich livers of sharks, suggesting a similar approach might be used when preying on energy-dense tuna. The high energy content and speed of tuna make them a desirable, though challenging, meal.
Other Marine Predators of Tuna
Beyond apex predators, other marine animals prey on tuna, often targeting different life stages or taking advantage of opportunistic situations. Large predatory fish like marlin and swordfish consume smaller tuna. These agile hunters share similar habitats. They use their elongated, sword-like snouts to stun or injure prey.
Large groupers, ambush predators, also prey on juvenile or smaller tuna in their reef habitats. Larger tuna species can engage in cannibalism, preying on smaller or younger tuna when other food sources are scarce. This behavior highlights complex dynamics within tuna populations.
Opportunistic predators, such as seals or sea lions, may target tuna if they are injured, sick, or vulnerable. While not primary predators of healthy adult tuna, these marine mammals capitalize on easier prey. This varied array of predators underscores tuna’s position within the marine food web.