Fisheries Infosite

Pacific Bluefin Tuna 1-10 (Combined) (TOR1)
Scientific name
Thunnus orientalis

Physical characteristics

Pacific Bluefin Tuna have dark backs and lighter undersides with speckling around the head. They can grow to a maximum length of 300 cm, though the largest reported in New Zealand waters is 270 cm.

Life cycle

Pacific Bluefin Tuna have a maximum age of over 15 years, reaching maturity at 3-5 years. They do not spawn in New Zealand waters, and spawning near Japan takes place from April-August depending on region.

Habitat

Pacific Bluefin Tuna is found moustly in northern New Zealand but can be found throughout New Zealand waters at depths to 100 m. They are epi-pelagic opportunistic feeders on fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.

 
Key statistics
Recreational significance High
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025