Hobbies And Interests
Diet
Though there may be small variations in diet preferences between species of tuna, the overwhelming majority of tuna fish are carnivores. They prefer fish under 6 inches or so. They also eat squid and may eat crustaceans like crabs and lobsters.
Reproduction
Most tuna lay eggs directly into the water. They do not provide care to their young. During breeding season, which varies depending upon the species of tuna, tuna spawn together in large groups. They are especially vulnerable to being caught by commercial fishers while in these large, noticeable groups.
Tuna and Dolphins
Some tuna fish school with dolphins. Consequently, the commercial tuna trade has had an adverse effect on dolphins, who are frequently caught in tuna nets. Tuna likely swim with dolphins in order to be protected from sharks and other large predators. Dolphins may also be particularly adept at finding food, thus directing tuna fish to good sources of prey.
Predators of Tuna
Though tuna fish are themselves predators, they are prey to many larger marine animals, especially sharks. Whales, especially killer whales, may occasionally prey on tuna. The biggest predators of tuna fish are humans, who have hunted tuna populations in some areas to the brink of extinction.