The English name for Bonito is primarily Skipjack Tuna or Striped Tuna.
Understanding the English Names for Bonito
While "Bonito" is a term often used broadly in various contexts and can sometimes refer to several distinct species of fish within the Scombridae family (which includes mackerels and tunas), the fish most commonly and officially known by this name in English, particularly in commercial and scientific contexts, is the Skipjack Tuna. It is also widely referred to as Striped Tuna. These names are largely interchangeable when referring to the specific species Katsuwonus pelamis.
Key English Designations
- Skipjack Tuna: This is the most prevalent and widely recognized official English name for the fish often called Bonito. It is a medium-sized fish, distinct for its streamlined body and typically found in warm ocean waters globally.
- Striped Tuna: This alternative English name highlights a prominent physical characteristic of the fish: its distinctive dark, longitudinal stripes on the lower half of its body.
Bonito's Place in the Tuna Family
The Katsuwonus pelamis species, known as Skipjack Tuna or Striped Tuna, is a true member of the tuna tribe (Thunnini), although it is often distinguished from the larger "true" tunas such as Bluefin, Yellowfin, or Albacore. This species is globally significant in commercial fisheries, being one of the most abundant and widely consumed tuna species. Its firm, dark meat is a popular choice for canned tuna products, and it is also a fundamental ingredient in traditional cuisines, particularly in dried, fermented forms like katsuobushi in Japanese cuisine. Understanding its precise English names is crucial for accurate identification in culinary, scientific, and market contexts.
