Fish
Bigeye
A tier
Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) is a deep-dwelling tropical tuna valued for high fat relative to yellowfin and deep red colour that holds well for sashimi and searing. Eyes are large; body is stout. Longline fish from cold deep water often grade best for raw service. Use like a richer ahi: rare seared steaks, sashimi, or tataki. Fat content can approach lesser bluefin grades without the same legal drama, though quality still varies. Keep ice-cold and dry surfaces before the pan. Trim bloodline if desired.
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
Deep longlining expanded bigeye catches for Japanese and export sashimi markets.
Bigeye joined yellowfin as a premium seared-tuna restaurant species.
Stock assessments and longline management focused attention on bigeye fishing pressure.