Hunters of the Open Sea: The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Tuna are ocean fish found in different parts of the world. The word “tuna” refers to several species, so details such as habitat, size, and movement differ. A useful way to study them is to ask what evidence scientists use to learn where a particular species lives and how people can protect the ocean resources it depends on.
NOAA describes Atlantic bluefin tuna as large, torpedo-shaped fish. They live near the surface in temperate water, but can dive hundreds of meters below it. Their streamlined bodies and powerful swimming help them travel through the open ocean. These facts describe Atlantic bluefin tuna; other tuna species may differ.
Atlantic bluefin tuna are predators. Young bluefin eat fish, squid, and small crustaceans; adults eat fish such as herring, bluefish, and mackerel. Bluefin are also food for sharks, marine mammals, and large fish. Following one species through a food web helps show that ocean life is connected without suggesting that one animal controls the whole system.
Atlantic bluefin are highly migratory. NOAA reports that they can cross thousands of miles of ocean, and tagging studies have recorded fish moving across the Atlantic’s east-west boundary. Scientists use tags and other observations to learn where fish travel. Those records help researchers understand the species, but one fish’s route does not predict every tuna’s journey.
- species:
- A specific group of living things that share common characteristics and can reproduce.
- temperate:
- Mild waters or climates that are neither extremely hot nor extremely cold.
- predators:
- Animals that hunt and eat other animals for food.
- migratory:
- Moving from one region or habitat to another, often across long distances.
- fishery:
- An organized effort to catch fish or other seafood in a specific ocean area.
- sustainably:
- Using natural resources in a careful way so they do not run out in the future.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Purpose
Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.
Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What physical features help Atlantic bluefin tuna swim through the open ocean?
- 2How does the diet of an Atlantic bluefin tuna change as it grows from young to adult?
You Might Also Like
About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Hunters of the Open Sea: The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna” is a explanatory article reading passage about Atlantic Bluefin Tuna and Marine Ecosystems, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (333 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.