Tuna samples were collected from the commercial landings at Kochi, Tuticorin, Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, Veraval and
Lakshadweep at regular intervals during 2006-2010. Detailed morphometric data, viz., height of dorsal and anal fins, eye
diameter, snout length, head height and height of body were collected. Otoliths were collected from eight species and
analysed. Results indicated that structure and shape of the otoliths show species specific differences. Taxonomic details of
tunas and tuna like species have been generated from the present as well as past studies and the species were redescribed
with color photographs and keys for identification. The species included Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788), Thunnus
obesus (Lowe, 1839), Thunnus tonggol (Bleeker, 1851), Sarda orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844), Katsuwonus pelamis
(Linnaeus, 1758), Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849), Auxis thazard (Lacepède, 1800), Auxis rochei (Risso, 1810) and
Gymnosarda unicolor (Rüppell 1836)
