Bonito

Sarda Sarda

Bonito fished by rod and reel in the Cantabrian Sea, Spain

Classification

• Taxon - Sardini
• Authority - Jordan and Evermann, 1896
• Subdivision_ranks - Genera
• Subdivision:
  • Cybiosarda (Whitley, 1935)
  • Gymnosarda Gill, 1862
  • Orcynopsis Gill, 1862
  • Sarda (Cuvier, 1832)

Species

• Genus Sarda (Cuvier, 1832)
  • Australian bonito, Sarda australis (Macleay, 1881)
  • Sarda chiliensis (Cuvier, 1832)
    • Eastern Pacific bonito, Sarda chiliensis chiliensis (Cuvier, 1832)
    • Pacific bonito, Sarda chiliensis lineolata (Girard, 1858)
  • Striped bonito, Sarda orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)
  • Atlantic bonito, Sarda sarda (Bloch, 1793)
• Genus Cybiosarda (Whitley, 1935)
  • Leaping bonito, C. elegans (Whitley, 1935)
• Genus Gymnosarda Gill, 1862
  • Dogtooth tuna, G. unicolor (Rüppell, 1836)
• Genus Orcynopsis Gill, 1862
  • Plain bonito, O. unicolor (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817)

Food

Pacific and Atlantic bonito meat has a firm texture and a darkish color. The bonito has a moderate fat content. The meat of young or small bonito can be of lighter color, close to that of skipjack tuna, and is sometimes used as a cheaper substitute of skipjack, especially for canning purposes. Bonito may not be marketed as tuna in all countries, however.

Bonito that has been dried, fermented, and smoked, called katsuobushi, is a key ingredient in many Japanese soups.

The Atlantic bonito is also found in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, where it is a popular food fish, eaten grilled, pickled (lakerda), or baked.

The bonito represents a tribe of ray-finned predatory fish, belonging to the larger Scombridae family. This is the same family that houses other notable fish species like mackerel, tuna, Spanish mackerel, and the butterfly kingfish. Known also as the Sardini tribe, the bonito group comprises eight distinct species spread across four genera, with three of the genera being monotypic, i.e., each having only a single species.

Etymology

The term "bonito" finds its roots in both the Spanish and Portuguese languages, translating to "pretty" in English. However, the connection between the fish's name and this adjective remains ambiguous. Additionally, the relationship between the Arabic term "bainīth" and its Portuguese/Spanish counterpart is equally unclear, leaving the etymology of "bonito" open to interpretation and further research.

Physical Characteristics

Bonitos are medium-sized fish, known for their streamlined bodies that aid in swift movement through water. They possess distinct patterns on their back, which typically comprise a series of horizontal stripes, zigzags, or wave-like patterns.

Distribution and Habitat

Bonitos are typically found in warm oceans worldwide. They often dwell in both open and coastal waters, occasionally venturing into more temperate or even cold waters. Being migratory, they are known to travel long distances in search of food or during breeding seasons.

Diet

Predatory by nature, bonitos primarily feed on smaller fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Their keen eyesight and rapid speed make them formidable hunters in their habitats.

Relation to Other Fish

While bonitos bear a resemblance to other members of the Scombridae family, especially tunas, they can be distinguished by their sharp teeth, distinct patterns, and slender bodies.

Commercial Significance

Bonitos are widely fished for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in many cultures. They are either consumed fresh or preserved in the form of dried flakes, which are particularly popular in East Asian cuisines.

Conservation Status

Due to their commercial value, some species of bonito face threats from overfishing. It's essential to monitor and manage fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of the bonito populations.

See also

• Tuna
• Mackerel
• Scombridae
• Ray-finned fish

References

• O'Toole, B. (2002). The Complete Guide to Saltwater Fish. London: Collins & Brown.
• Hayashi, K. (1999). Bonito and its Role in Japanese Cuisine. Tokyo: Kairen Press.
• Scombridae. (n.d.). In Marine Species Identification Portal.