Yellowfin tuna

Photo: Thomas Zebst · © all rights reserved

Yellowfin tuna are highly migratory open-ocean apex predators that use seamounts and pinnacles like Diamond Rock as navigation waypoints and hunting grounds, ambushing baitfish schools that aggregate around the structure in the currents. Their torpedo-shaped bodies and deeply forked tails allow speeds exceeding 70 kilometres per hour, and their large eyes support hunting in the crepuscular light of deeper water. Seeing tuna at a Caribbean island dive site is a strong indicator of open-ocean connectivity and the health of the pelagic food web.