Euthynnus affinis
Wavyback Skipjack, Eastern Little Tuna, Mackerel, Tuna, Pacific Little Tunny, False Albacore
Kawakawa have a number of oblique, wavy lines over a turquoise background on their back, beginning near the midpoint of the dorsal fin. These squiggly lines run from the lateral line back towards the dorsal fins. Some live specimens may display dark, prominent longitudinal stripes on the venter. These stripes tend to disappear quickly once the fish is removed from the water, leaving only a number of dark spots showing between the pectoral fins and the ventral fins. The dorsal fin has 14-16 spines and the second dorsal fin has 12-13 rays. The anal fin has 12-14 rays. There are no scales on the body, except on the corselet and lateral line. There are 29-34 gill rakers on the first arch.
The Kawakawa feeds mainly on crustaceans, squid and pelagic fish.
Kawakawa are found in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and South Africa east to Indonesia and Australia, and from Japan and the Philippines through Oceania to the Hawaiian Islands.
The Kawakawa is a migratory species and stays fairly close to land. It may be found near reefs and in estuaries as well as in open waters.
The size of the Kawakawa is up to 30 pounds and nearly 3 feet in length.
29 pounds, 0 ounces (IGFA)