Fish Active during the day

Mackerel Tuna

Euthynnus affinis

iNaturalist Wikipedia

The Mackerel Tuna is the ultimate coastal speedster, flashing through the Indo-Pacific with striking wavy patterns and incredible power. A master of the open blue, this 'little tuna' brings the thrill of the ocean right to the coastline.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 50–60 cm (20–24 in) in length, but can reach up to 100 cm (39 in). Weights generally range from 2–6 kg (4.4–13.2 lbs) but can reach 14 kg (31 lbs).

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Colors

Metallic blue-green on the upper back with a pattern of dark, wavy stripes; the lower sides and belly are silvery-white. Distinctive dark spots (usually 1 to 5) are found between the pectoral and pelvic fins.

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Key Features

Distinctive wavy black stripes on the upper back above the lateral line
1-5 dark spots between the pectoral and pelvic fins
Streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a deeply forked tail
Series of 6-8 small finlets behind the dorsal and anal fins

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6 AM - 6 PM

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Season Year-round in tropical waters; summer and autumn in subtropical regions

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Diet A voracious and opportunistic predator, the Mackerel Tuna feeds primarily on small schooling fish like anchovies, sardines, and mackerels, as well as squid, shrimp, and larval crustaceans.

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Habitat Prefer warm coastal waters, often found near coral reefs, rocky headlands, and the upper layers of the open ocean.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Mackerel Tuna Live?

The Mackerel Tuna is a wide-ranging resident of the Indo-West Pacific region. Its native range extends from the Red Sea and East Africa across the Indian Ocean to the coastal waters of Southeast Asia and the northern half of Australia. It is frequently found as far north as Japan and throughout the central Pacific islands, including Hawaii, flourishing in tropical and subtropical maritime environments.

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9 Countries

65M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

ID Indonesia AU Australia JP Japan IN India TH Thailand PH Philippines ZA South Africa Vietnam MY Malaysia

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

The Mackerel Tuna, also widely known as the Kawakawa, is an incredibly fast and powerful swimmer. They are highly social and are almost always found in schools, which can range from a few dozen to several thousand individuals. These schools are often mixed with other species like Skipjack Tuna or Small Yellowfin, creating a massive, nomadic hunting unit that patrols coastal waters.

Because they are 'ram ventilators,' Mackerel Tuna must stay in constant motion to keep oxygen-rich water flowing over their gills. This means they are perpetual wanderers, never resting. They are known for their high metabolism and aggressive feeding behavior, often driving schools of baitfish to the surface in a spectacular 'boil' that attracts predatory birds from miles around.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Mackerel Tuna on camera requires an underwater setup, as they rarely stray from the marine environment. For those with 'backyards' on the water, such as a private pier or dock, an underwater action camera (like a GoPro or Insta360) is the best tool. Mount the camera on a weighted PVC pipe or a submerged tether about 1.5 to 3 meters below the surface. Aim the lens outward toward the current, as tuna often swim against the flow while looking for food.

Since Mackerel Tuna are visual hunters attracted to flash and movement, you can lure them into frame by using a 'teaser.' A shiny, hookless silver lure or even a string of old CDs suspended in the current near the camera can mimic the flash of a baitfish school, enticing a curious tuna to investigate. For the best clarity, ensure your camera is set to a high frame rate (60fps or 120fps) to catch their lightning-fast movements without blur.

Lighting is crucial for marine photography. The best time to record is between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun is highest, providing maximum penetration into the water column to showcase the tuna's iridescent blue and silver colors. If you are filming from above the water on a boat or pier, use a circular polarizing filter to remove surface glare. Look for diving sea birds or 'ripples' on the surface to know when a school is nearby, and keep your shutter speed at 1/1000s or higher to freeze the action.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Mackerel Tuna.

Skipjack Tuna

Has dark horizontal stripes on the belly rather than wavy lines on the back.

Frigate Tuna

More slender body and a much wider gap between the two dorsal fins.

Bullet Tuna

Smaller and more cylindrical, with a shorter corselet of scales.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Mackerel Tuna are primarily diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight hours. They rely on their keen eyesight to hunt, so their activity peaks from sunrise to sunset, with particularly high energy during the mid-morning and late afternoon when baitfish are most mobile.

To attract Mackerel Tuna, use reflective objects or 'teasers' like silver spoons or flashers that mimic the scales of a baitfish. Since they are attracted to schooling activity, placing your camera near structure like reef edges or pier pilings where small fish congregate will also increase your chances.

They are carnivorous predators that eat a variety of small marine life. Their diet consists mainly of small schooling fish (anchovies, sardines), squid, and various crustaceans like shrimp and mantis shrimp.

While they aren't 'backyard' animals in the traditional sense, they are very common in suburban coastal areas throughout their range. Residents near piers, harbors, and coastal reefs in places like Queensland, Australia, or Southeast Asia can frequently see them from the shore.

The easiest way to distinguish them is by their markings. Mackerel Tuna have wavy, mottled lines on their upper back and small dark spots near their pectoral fins, whereas Skipjack Tuna have distinct horizontal dark stripes running along their belly and lower sides.

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