Species
Dogtooth Tuna
Gymnosarda unicolor
Also known as white tuna
Tier 4Eating7/10heavy tackleQLDWANT
7 waypoints80–140 cm (max 220 cm) typical
Overview: about dogtooth tuna
Brutal tropical reef-edge tuna found around the GBR, Coral Sea and northern atolls. Targeted with heavy jigs and live baits over deep pinnacles and current-swept dropoffs. Reef-bound and uncompromising — heavy gear and locked drags are standard.
Biology: Dogtooth Tuna size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Offshore, Pelagic, Reef
- Typical size
- 80–140 cm (max 220 cm)
- Weight
- 10–40 kg (max 130 kg)
- Depth range
- 30–300 m
- Diet
- small tuna, squid, baitfish
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Indo-Pacific tropical reefs and seamounts
How to target: Dogtooth Tuna angling strategies
Generally fished with heavy tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- heavy mechanical and slow-pitch jigs over seamounts and current-swept reef
- live-baiting scaly mackerel over reef passes on the outer GBR
Safety & handling
Ciguatera risk: highAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.
High ciguatera risk in many parts of range — avoid eating from known hotspot reefs.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught dogtooth tuna
No dogtooth tuna catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.
Where to catch: dogtooth tuna fishing spots in Australia
More information: dogtooth tuna references & sources
Saved.