COMMON MARINE FISHES 



63 



SKIPJACK 

 Katsuwonus pelamis 



Relationship: Belongs to the skipjack family, Katsuwonidae, of which it is the 

 only common California representative. 



Distinguishing Characters: The series of finlets following both the dorsal and 

 anal fins, usually eight after the dorsal and seven after the anal ; the absence of scales 

 except in the region of the pectoral fin (corselet) ; the four or five dark oblique stripes 

 along the sides and belly which distinguish it from all our other tuna-like fishes. Length 

 rarely exceeds two feet, though there is a record of a three foot, 43-pound specimen. 

 Color: Blue to violet above, becoming dull after the fish dies; silvery on the sides and 

 below ; stripes as described above. 



Distribution: In the eastern Pacific, from Vancouver Island to the coast of 

 South America (rare north of Pt. Conception) ; spans the Pacific to Hawaii and 

 Japan. A schooling fish. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. Most of the catch is made off Mexico and 

 Central America where skipjack and yellowfin tuna form a single fishery. Most abun- 

 dant in California during August and September. 



Innportance: Fourth in poundage and third in value among California fisheries 

 in 1946, with San Diego the leading port and Los Angeles second. Used entirely for 

 canning. One of the more desirable sport fishes, it is taken in moderate quantity. 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line with live bait: 

 catch is taken with live bait or by trolling. 



itity. 

 purse seines. Most of the sport 



Unauthorized Name: Striped tuna. 



