What Is a Group of Tuna Called?

Float is the term most commonly cited for a group of tuna, describing large schools that move together near the surface of the open ocean. Troup is a rarer variant spelling that shows up in some older wordlists, related to the more familiar “troop.”

Where Did the Name Come From?

“Float” likely describes the way large tuna schools appear to drift or hover together near the surface when spotted from above, a common description for open-water schooling fish. Like many fish-related collective nouns, it’s a more modern, descriptive term rather than one tracing back to medieval English hunting tradition.

Tuna Facts

• Warm-blooded fish: tuna are among the few fish species that can maintain a body temperature warmer than the surrounding water, which helps power their speed and endurance.
• Built for speed: some tuna species can swim in bursts of over 40 mph, among the fastest of all fish.
• Constant swimmers: tuna must keep swimming continuously to pump oxygen-rich water over their gills, since they can’t pump water like many other fish.
• Massive size range: tuna species range from the small skipjack tuna to the giant Atlantic bluefin, which can weigh over 1,000 pounds.

Example Sentences

• A float of tuna churned the surface as they chased a school of baitfish.
• Fishermen tracked a large float of tuna moving along the current line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a group of tuna called?

A float, describing large schools that move together near the ocean’s surface.

Why are tuna warm-blooded?

Tuna can maintain a body temperature warmer than surrounding water, an unusual trait among fish that helps power their speed and endurance.

How fast can tuna swim?

Some tuna species can swim in bursts of over 40 mph, among the fastest of all fish.

How big can tuna get?

Sizes vary widely by species, from the small skipjack tuna to the giant Atlantic bluefin, which can weigh over 1,000 pounds.