Abstract: Tunas are top predators in the ocean, with large body sizes and swim fast. The great nutritional and economic value characterized by tunas makes a great significance for the global fishing industry. Due to their unique endothermal capabilities, developed visual systems and high basal metabolic rate, tunas have special living habits and thermal niches. This review summarized the tuna researches from five aspects: regional endothermal mechanism, counter-current heat exchange vascular network, cardiac function, visual system and growth pattern. Moreover, we discussed the close relationships between physiological characteristics and environmental adaptation, thermal niche and trophic niche of tunas. Finally, we give suggestions on the perspective of bioinformatics and further questions on the tuna researches.