Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Scombridae

Subfamily: Scombrinae

Tribe: Thunnini

Genus: Katsuwonus

Species: Katsuwonus pelamis

Skipjack is common in tropical waters throughout the world. They consume small fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.

Its maximum fork length is 1.08 m (43 in) and maximum weight is 34.5 kg (76 lb). Ageing skipjack tuna is difficult, and the estimates of its potential lifespan range between 8 and 12 years. Spawning occurs year-round in equatorial waters.

It is a very important species for sport game fish and in commercial fisheries, usually caught using purse seine nets, and is sold fresh, frozen, canned, dried, salted, and smoked. With reported landings of almost 2.6 million tons, it was world's second-most important capture fish species in 2009.

Skipjack is the most fecund of the main commercial tunas, and its population is considered sustainable against its current consumption. 

Skipjack is considered to have "moderate" mercury contamination. As a result, pregnant women are advised against eating large quantities.

Skipjack is widely consumed in many countries, and they are used extensively in Japanese cuisine.