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(Click for large pic. 36Kb)
This Bonito or Tuna occurs commonly in shoals in inshore Queensland coastal waters. especially during the winter months, when it feeds on the massed shoals of Hardyheads, Pilchards and Anchovies so much in evidence at that time.
It is a small fish, usually, taken at the 1.8 -2.2 kg (45 lb.) mark. The flesh is dark red; its edible qualities are not highly regarded. It is generally captured inadvertently by, troll line fishermen who use the fillets for Snapper bait. or by game fishermen seeking bait for Marlin, Shark. or large Bluefin Tuna.
The fish is bright blue green above and silvery below. There are 10 or 11 narrow greyish stripes running along the sides. The fins are dull greyish. These colour markings assist in its recognition from the related Leaping Bonito, which has a series of dusky grey broken lines and blotches above the lateral line. and three greyish unbroken lines below it.
The little Australian Bonito provides first rate sport to anglers using the lightest tackle; it is quite usual to bring the fish aboard only when it is in its last dying flurry. The species' value as a sport fish is diminished only by its comparatively poor edible qualities a feature shared by many other Queensland Tunas.
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