Skipjack tuna have a life span of eight to 12 years and reach reproductive maturity when they reach 1.3 feet in length. The species is very productive, spawning throughout the year in tropical and subtropical waters. Females can spawn almost daily, releasing millions of eggs. Their most productive spawning periods are in the spring and fall.  Females release their eggs near the sea surface where they are fertilized. They grow quickly reaching about 80 cm (31 inches) and weighing eight to 10 kg (18–22 lb). They live mostly in the open ocean and can be found in large schools swimming long distances to feed and reproduce. They are at the top of the food chain and feed on other fish, squid and crustaceans.