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Is skipjack tuna the fastest-growing teleost fish on earth?

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Abstract

Using a genetic marker mitochondrial DNA control region, Nikolic et al. (Environ Biol Fish 99:171-178, 2016) recently reported the identification of two juveniles of tuna as skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) recovered from the mouth of dolphinfish in the vicinity of Reunion Island, western Indian Ocean. Based on the age estimates of the two specimens from opercular bones at about 16–20 days and the increased occurrence of skipjack in the catch of Japanese longliners during October–January, the authors indicate that their results suggest a specific seasonal spawning area of skipjack around Reunion Island. We challenge the validity of age estimates and the interpretation of the results published by Nikolic et al. (Environ Biol Fish 99:171-178, 2016). Current knowledge of skipjack tuna biology indicates that the paper of Nikolic et al. (Environ Biol Fish 99:171-178, 2016) contains misinterpretation of field observations that led the authors to misunderstandings on skipjack tuna ecology.

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Acknowledgments

We are thankful to two anonymous referees for their encouragement and insightful comments that improved the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CAP RUN – Hydrô Réunion, Magasin n°10, Darse de pêche hauturière, Port Ouest, 97420, Le Port, Île de la Réunion, France

    Evgeny V. Romanov

  2. UMR MARBEC (IRD/Ifremer/UM/CNRS), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), SFA, Fishing Port, BP570, Victoria, Seychelles

    Emmanuel Chassot

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  1. Evgeny V. Romanov
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  2. Emmanuel Chassot
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Correspondence to Evgeny V. Romanov.

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Romanov, E.V., Chassot, E. Is skipjack tuna the fastest-growing teleost fish on earth?. Environ Biol Fish 100, 85–88 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-016-0544-3

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