Terrific Tunas
Garrett Wynne
Introduction
Swoosh! The huge tuna dashes through the waters of the Atlantic ocean. Did you know that the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is bigger than an eight foot tall man? The tuna is a magnificent creature that has many facts about Diet, Life cycle/ reproduction , and appearance. There is more to tunas then just there great taste.
Tunas Diet
First, If you probably didn't know a tunas diet is very complex. This ocean dwelling animal is a carnivore and feeds mostly on fishes, squids, shellfish and a large amount of platonic creatures. In May tunas move north and feed on groups of herring and mackerel to fatten for the months ahead. Tunas have a very consistent diet and feed mostly on fish 1-6 inches. They will also eat crustaceans when available, but very rarely. As you can see a tunas diet is more interesting than it seems.
Tunas Life cycle/ reproduction
Next, A tunas life cycle and reproduction can be incredible too. Did you know that the tuna can lay up to 10 million eggs per year, but only few survive? These amazing animals spawn once a year in mating season from April to August. Tunas aren’t sexually mature until they reach 4-8 years of age. The multi-colored fish only mate if the water is warm enough. The average age that a tuna will live to is 15-30 years and they are in fact an endangered species. Tunas are just like us, reproduce and have an interesting life cycle.
Tunas Appearance
Finally, the last subtopic is the tunas awesome appearance. The incredible fish is a rather large game fish and is referred to as the king of the ocean by fisherman. The largest of the tuna is the bluefin tuna who can reach up to 14 feet and 1,800 pounds, but the average is 60 to 200 pounds. Most tunas are blue or silver but the yellowfin has shades of yellow. Tuna have an incredible appearance to look at and have many other interesting topics.
Closing
Did you know that tunnies are the smallest of the tuna at only 10 pounds and an arms length? Tunas appearance, Life cycle/reproduction, and diet are fascinating to learn about. Tunas aren’t just good on a sandwich, but are complex organisms.
Think Tank
Chefs Corner: Prawn Cocktails
8 tbsp good mayonnaise, preferably homemade
1 tbsp tomato ketchup
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Tabasco, to taste
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp brandy or medium sherry
300g shell-on North Atlantic prawns (about 110g peeled weight), raw if you can find them
100g brown shrimps
3 little gem lettuces
10cm piece of cucumber
1 avocado
2 tbsp lemon juice
Slim bunch of chives, finely chopped
Cayenne pepper, to top
Put the mayonnaise in a bowl and whisk to loosen, then add the other ingredients and taste, adding a little more of any as takes your fancy.
Cook the prawns in a dry frying pan until pink all over, if you're lucky enough to have raw ones, then peel and devein all but four of them. Set the unshelled ones aside and mix the remainder, with the shrimps, into the sauce.
Cut the cucumber in half lengthways, scoop out the seeds, and cut the flesh into small dice. Peel the avocado, dice finely and toss this and the cucumber with the lemon juice and season well. Shred the lettuce fairly finely, and toss together. Divide between four bowls, plates or glasses with a dip in the middle for the prawns to sit in, and so the greens aren't entirely lost below.
Divide the prawns between the dishes and top with chives and cayenne pepper. Garnish with the remaining prawn and serve immediately.