10 facts you didn’t know about tuna

1. Arabs have developed the fishing of tuna

Around the year 1000, people arriving from Arab countries brought in the technique of tuna fishing to Europe, and thaught it to the Europeans.

2. Their fishing is limited

Their fishing is allowed in every single country in the world, but the maximum amount that can be cought is constantly limited by the authorities.

3. Guinness record holder

In january 2012 a 269 kg (593 lbs) fish was sold in Tokyo. It cost 2100 € a kg, adding up to 565.000 € for the whole fish.

4. There’s a bounty on rarer types

There’s an enormous price tag on the bigger sized red tuna (Bluefin) in several places all over the world. If you managed to catch one, you could be paid as much as 70.000 € for it.

5. They are extremely fast

Their oval shaped bodies can grow up to 1.45 m, and their speed could even reach 80 kph (49.7 mph)

6. A peculiar ritual pairs with their fishing in Languedoc

In this french region, spectators gather by the shore, seeking out places with a good view on the sea, and signal the fisherman (with loud shouting) whenever they spot a fish.

7. There are 50 different species of tuna

4 million tons of tuna are caught per year. Fishing on the Pacific Ocean accounts for 68 % of this value.

8. Shokunin

Japanese chef Shokunin allegedly waits 4 years before teaching the art of breaking down tuna to his protégés.

9. Only the shark shares this ability

Tuna is able to regulate its own blood temperature. The only other being in the sea able to do this is the shark.

10. Tuna is extremely healthy

Zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and several vitamins can all be found in tuna, which also has low fat content.