Sarda sarda
Northern Bonito, Katonotel, Boston Mackerel
Atlantic Bonito are steel-blue on their back and upper sides with half a dozen slightly oblique stripes that run forward and downward. The lower sides are silver in color. The Atlantic Bonito is sometimes mistaken for the Skipjack Tuna, which is also striped, but the markings are along the lower sides and belly.
The Atlantic Bonito has been described as an insatiable predator that feeds throughout the day, but probably most frequently at dawn and dusk. Larvae feed on other fish larvae, but prefer copepods; juveniles also consume larvae. Adults eat larger fish s
The Atlantic Bonito is not common in most of Florida but often seen along both the upper Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.
The Atlantic Bonito will inhabit either brackish or coastal saltwater areas. This migratory species is commonly found schooling.
The Atlantic Bonito averages around 4 to 10 pounds but can reach a maximum weight of 20 pounds and approximately 36 inches in length.
18 pounds, 4 ounces (IGFA)