Tuna vs. Kingfish: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 30, 2023
Tuna are large migratory fish, widely popular in cooking, while Kingfish refers to various species, often mackerels, known for their distinct flavor.
Key Differences
Tuna and Kingfish are two distinct types of fish commonly found in oceans and enjoyed as part of various cuisines. Tuna, recognized for its sleek and muscular body, is a migratory fish found in many oceans worldwide. They are particularly notable for their remarkable swimming capabilities and can be quite large in size. Many tuna species are commercially significant, with some being a staple in dishes like sushi.
Kingfish, on the other hand, is a term that can encompass various species, depending on the geographical location. In the U.S., the term often refers to species of mackerel. Unlike the vast-ranging tuna, some Kingfish species can be more localized in certain coastal areas. These fish tend to be smaller than most tuna species and are recognized for their distinct flavor profile.
When it comes to culinary applications, both Tuna and Kingfish find their way into many dishes. Tuna's meat, especially from species like Bluefin, is highly prized in sashimi and sushi. Its rich and slightly sweet taste makes it a favorite among many seafood enthusiasts. Kingfish, with its firm texture and bold flavor, is frequently grilled, smoked, or even fried in various cuisines.
While Tuna and Kingfish may both be celebrated in the culinary world, it's essential to understand their unique characteristics and origins. Where Tuna is more widespread and known for its powerful swimming and size, Kingfish stands out for its distinct taste and the regional variance in species names.
Comparison Chart
Family
Thunnini (Tuna family)
Various, often mackerels in the U.S.
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Size
Generally larger
Typically smaller
Habitat
Global, migratory
Regional, varies by species
Culinary Use
Sashimi, sushi, steaks
Grilled, smoked, fried
Texture/Flavor
Rich, slightly sweet
Firm texture, bold flavor
Tuna and Kingfish Definitions
Tuna
Commonly found canned in many grocery stores.
She added canned tuna to her salad for protein.
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Kingfish
Popular in regional coastal cuisines.
The local restaurant specializes in kingfish dishes.
Tuna
Distinct for its high-speed swimming abilities.
The tuna swiftly swam past the diver.
Kingfish
Known for a bold and distinctive flavor.
The grilled kingfish tasted wonderfully smoky.
Tuna
A large migratory marine fish.
She ordered a tuna sandwich for lunch.
Kingfish
Generally smaller than many tuna species.
Compared to the tuna, the kingfish seemed much smaller.
Tuna
Known for its commercial and culinary value.
The market had fresh tuna steaks available.
Kingfish
Refers to various species of fish, often mackerels in the U.S.
He caught a sizable kingfish during his trip.
Tuna
A member of the mackerel family, mostly in the genus Thunnus.
The Bluefin is a popular species of tuna.
Kingfish
Any of several food and game fishes of the family Sciaenidae, especially of the genus Menticirrhus, found in western Atlantic waters.
Tuna
Any of various often large scombroid marine food and game fishes of the genus Thunnus and related genera, several of which, including albacore and skipjack tuna, are commercially important sources of canned fish. Also called tunny.
Kingfish
Any of various carangid fishes.
Tuna
Any of several related fishes, such as the bonito.
Kingfish
See king mackerel.
Tuna
The edible flesh of tuna, often canned or processed. Also called tuna fish.
Kingfish
(Informal) A person in a position of uncontested authority or influence, especially a powerful political leader.
Tuna
Any of several prickly pears, especially O. ficus-indica, widely cultivated for its edible red fruit.
Kingfish
Any of several food fishes of the genus Menticirrhus from the Atlantic; kingcroakers.
Tuna
The edible fruit of any of these cacti. Also called cactus pear.
Kingfish
Other Atlantic fish
Tuna
Any of several species of fish of the genus Thunnus in the family Scombridae.
Kingfish
Opah (Lampris guttatus), of the United Kingdom
Tuna
The edible flesh of the tuna.
Kingfish
White croaker (Genyonemus lineatus), of the United Kingdom
Tuna
The prickly pear, a type of cactus native to Mexico in the genus Opuntia.
Kingfish
Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), of Barbados
Tuna
The fruit of the cactus.
Kingfish
King mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla)
Tuna
The Opuntia Tuna. See Prickly pear, under Prickly.
Kingfish
Any of several similar fishes of the Pacific.
Tuna
Any one of several species of large oceanic fishes belonging to the mackerel family Scombridae, especially the bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus, formerly Orcynus thynnus or Albacora thynnus), called also the common tunny or great tunny, a native of the Mediterranean Sea and of temperate parts of the Atlantic Ocean. It sometimes weighs a thousand pounds or more, and is caught commercially in large quantity for use as food; - also called, especially in Britain, tunny. It is also one of the favorite fishes used by the Japanese in preparing sushi. On the American coast, especially in New England, it is sometimes called the horse mackerel. Another well-known species is the yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) of warm seas. the See Illust. of Horse mackerel, under Horse.
Kingfish
(Scomberomorus commerson) of Australia
Tuna
The bonito, 2.
Kingfish
(Argyrosomus japonicus) of Australia
Tuna
The meat of the tuna, used as food; - also called tuna fish.
Kingfish
Yellowtail amberjack (Seriola lalandi) of Australia and New Zealand
Tuna
Tropical American flat-jointed prickly pear; Jamaica
Kingfish
(Rexea solandri) of Australia
Tuna
Important warm-water fatty fish of the genus Thunnus of the family Scombridae; usually served as steaks
Kingfish
Caranx
Tuna
Any very large marine food and game fish of the genus Thunnus; related to mackerel; chiefly of warm waters
Kingfish
(Caranx hippos) of Mauritania
Tuna
New Zealand eel
Kingfish
Giant trevally or travelli (Caranx ignobilis) of South Africa
Kingfish
Cobia (Rachycentron canadum), of warm waters globally.
Kingfish
An American marine food fish of the genus Menticirrus, especially Menticirrus saxatilis, or Menticirrus nebulosos, of the Atlantic coast; - called also whiting, surf whiting, and barb.
Kingfish
The lean flesh of any of several fish caught off the Atlantic coast of the United States
Kingfish
Large edible mackerel of temperate United States coastal Atlantic waters
Kingfish
Small silvery marine food fish found off California
Kingfish
Any of several food and game fishes of the drum family indigenous to warm Atlantic waters of the North American coast
Kingfish
Large game fish of Australia and New Zealand
Kingfish
A term with regional variance regarding the specific species.
In some areas, the term kingfish denotes a type of mackerel.
FAQs
Which is generally larger, tuna or kingfish?
Tuna is generally larger than most kingfish species.
Are both tuna and kingfish saltwater fish?
Yes, both are marine species.
Is Bluefin a type of tuna or kingfish?
Bluefin is a species of tuna.
Can Kingfish be used in sushi?
Yes, in some places, kingfish, especially Yellowtail Kingfish, is used in sushi.
Is tuna farming sustainable?
Some tuna farming methods have sustainability concerns. It's best to look for certified sustainable options.
Can you grill both tuna and kingfish?
Yes, both can be grilled, although they have different textures and flavors.
Is tuna a type of mackerel?
While tuna belongs to the mackerel family, it is distinct and not typically referred to as a mackerel.
How can I identify fresh tuna or kingfish in the market?
Fresh fish should have a clean ocean scent, firm flesh, and clear eyes.
Why is tuna popular in sushi?
Tuna, especially Bluefin, has a rich flavor and slightly sweet taste, making it prized in sushi.
Is kingfish the same worldwide?
No, the term "kingfish" can refer to different species depending on the region.
Which is fattier, tuna or kingfish?
It varies by species, but certain tunas, like Bluefin, have fatty cuts.
Can you eat tuna and kingfish raw?
Yes, both can be consumed raw if they are of sushi/sashimi grade.
Which has a bolder flavor, tuna or kingfish?
Kingfish generally has a bolder flavor compared to tuna.
Are there freshwater species of tuna or kingfish?
No, both are primarily marine species.
Can you smoke kingfish?
Yes, smoked kingfish is popular in certain cuisines due to its firm texture.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
