Occurs rarely where surface temperatures fall below 23°C. Its larvae are more frequently encountered at temperatures above 26°C and are practically confined to waters within about 240 miles off the mainland. Inhabits near the surface of coastal waters and offshore waters. Form multi-species schools with Thunnus albacares and Katsuwonus pelamis. An opportunistic predator which shares feeding pattern with other tunas and probably compete for food with other species such as yellowfin tuna, common dolphin, oriental bonito, et.