Are you a fan of tuna fish? If so, you may have heard of a smaller variety called Tongol tuna.
But what exactly is Tongol tuna fish? Is it safe to eat? And how does it compare to other types of tuna?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Tongol tuna and explore its unique characteristics, including its mild taste and lower mercury levels. We’ll also take a closer look at its habitat, growth patterns, and conservation status.
So if you’re curious about this lesser-known type of tuna, keep reading to learn more!
What Is Tongol Tuna Fish?
Tongol tuna is a smaller variety of tuna fish that is known for its mild and delicate taste. It is also referred to as the northern bluefin tuna or longtail tuna. Compared to other types of tuna, Tongol tuna is located further down the food chain, making it lower in mercury levels. This makes it a safer food choice for those who are concerned about their mercury intake.
Tongol tuna is made up of cleaner and lighter meat, which makes it a popular alternative to albacore, the more commonly known species of tuna. It is lower in fat and cholesterol than beef or chicken, making it a great alternative to standard lunch options and salad bar toppings.
Tongol Tuna’s Unique Characteristics
Tongol tuna has a number of unique physical characteristics that distinguish it from other tuna species. For one, it is the smallest of the tuna species, with a body that is deepest near the middle of the first dorsal fin base. Its pectoral fins are short to moderately long in comparison to other species, and it lacks a swim bladder or has a rudimentary one.
The coloration of Tongol tuna is also distinct, with silvery white lower sides and belly, and colorless elongate oval spots arranged in horizontally oriented rows. The dorsal, pectoral, and pelvic fins have a blackish color, while the tip of the second dorsal and anal fins have a washed yellow color. The anal fin is silvery, while the dorsal and anal finlets are yellow with grayish margins. The caudal fin is blackish with streaks of yellowish green.
In terms of size, age, and growth, Tongol tuna can grow up to 145 cm in length and weigh up to 35 kg. The maximum age known for this species is up to 20 years. Reproduction habits are still not well understood, but it is known that mature fish can reach over 60 cm in length.
While Tongol tuna is not currently listed as an endangered species, its slower growth rate and longer lifespan make it vulnerable to overfishing. As such, it is important to consume this species responsibly and sustainably.
Is Tongol Tuna Safe To Eat?
Tongol tuna is considered safe to eat and is a healthier choice compared to other types of tuna. It has lower mercury levels, which makes it a safer food option for individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have young children. According to the FDA, canned light tuna is one of the best choices for individuals who need to limit their exposure to mercury. Pregnant or breastfeeding women can consume 2-3 servings of canned light tuna per week, while children can consume 2 servings per week.
It is important to note that recommendations for how often a person should eat canned tuna can vary depending on several factors, including the specific type of tuna, age, and sensitivity to the effects of mercury. The FDA recommends selecting varieties of fish that are low in mercury for children ages 1-11 and individuals who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Adults should aim to eat at least 8 ounces or 2 servings of fish per week, which can include canned tuna.
Tongol Tuna Vs Other Types Of Tuna
When it comes to choosing between different types of tuna, Tongol tuna stands out for its unique qualities. Compared to other types of tuna such as Skipjack, Albacore, Yellowfin, Bigeye, and Bluefin Tuna, Tongol tuna has a milder and less fishy taste. It is also lower in fat and calories than some of the other species, making it a great option for those who are watching their weight.
One of the key differences between Tongol tuna and other types of tuna is its mercury levels. As mentioned earlier, Tongol tuna is located further down the food chain, making it lower in mercury levels than some of the other species. This makes it a safer food choice for pregnant women and children who are more vulnerable to the negative effects of mercury.
Another difference between Tongol tuna and other types of tuna is its texture. Tongol tuna has a softer and more tender texture compared to Albacore or Yellowfin Tuna, making it a great option for salads or sandwiches. Its delicate flavor also pairs well with lighter dressings and sauces.
In terms of price, Tongol tuna is often more affordable than some of the other types of tuna. This is because it is not as widely known or consumed as Albacore or Yellowfin Tuna. However, this does not mean that it is any less nutritious or delicious.
Habitat And Growth Patterns Of Tongol Tuna
Tongol tuna is found in the tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the Western Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific Ocean. It prefers water temperatures between 16°C and 31°C, with juveniles and young adults preferring warmer waters and larger adults cooler waters. It is most commonly found in shallow waters less than 200 m depth, and is most abundant at depths less than 50 m. Tongol tuna avoids water with low salinity and high turbidity.
Unlike other Thunnus species, Tongol tuna is not considered a highly migratory species. Limited tagging data indicates that some fish are capable of swimming hundreds of kilometers in several weeks, yet most tagged Tongol tuna maintain small ranges of only a few kilometers over several years.
Tongol tuna is a small to medium-sized tuna species, reaching a maximum length of 136 cm fork length, maximum weight of 36 kg, and can live for at least 18 years, although most fish harvested are much younger. Longtail tuna in the northern hemisphere appear to grow faster than those in the southern hemisphere.
Age and growth of Tongol tuna were assessed by examination of annual growth increments in sectioned sagittal otoliths from 461 fish sampled from tropical and temperate waters in the central Indo-Pacific between February 2003 and April 2005. Edge and microincrement analyses suggest that Tongol tuna deposit a single annual growth increment mainly between August and October. Age was estimated for all fish by counting assumed annual growth increments. Ages ranged from 154 days to 18.7 years, with most fish being 3-9 years old.
Five growth models were fitted to length-at-age data, all of which indicated that Tongol tuna is relatively slow-growing and long-lived. The Schnute-Richards model provided the best fit to length-at-age data, with model parameter estimates (sexes combined) of L∞ = 135.4 cm LF, K = 22.3 year^-1, t0 = 0.120 years, δ = 150.0, v = 0.019, and γ = 2.7 × 10^-8. There was no significant difference in growth between sexes.
The results suggest that Tongol tuna grow more slowly and live longer than other tuna species of similar size. Coupled with their restricted neritic distribution, Tongol tuna may be vulnerable to overexploitation by fisheries, and caution needs to be exercised in managing the species until more reliable biological and catch data are collected to assess the status of the population.
Conservation Status Of Tongol Tuna
The conservation status of Tongol tuna is currently not listed as an endangered species in the database of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like most tuna species, Tongol tuna is a highly migratory fish that is often targeted by commercial fishing fleets. This makes it vulnerable to overfishing, especially in areas where there are inadequate regulations or enforcement.
It is important to note that the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species uses a consistent formula to classify fish species based on the rate of declining criterion. If during a period of 5-20 years, the mature population of a fish species has declined by at least 50%, it is classified as Vulnerable. If the decline is 70-89%, it is classified as Endangered. If the decline is 90% or more, it is classified as Critically Endangered. Although Tongol tuna is not currently listed as an endangered species, it is important to monitor its population and take measures to ensure its sustainability.
Conservation efforts for Tongol tuna include implementing and enforcing fishing quotas, regulating fishing methods, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. It is also important to educate consumers on the importance of choosing sustainably caught Tongol tuna and other seafood options. By taking these measures, we can ensure that Tongol tuna remains a viable and sustainable food source for generations to come.