Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

Order: Perciformes   |   Family: Scombridae   |    Genus: Thunnus   |   Species: albacares

Yellowfin tuna are found in all tropical and subtropical waters worldwide with the exception of the Mediterranean Sea. They range in size from 40 to 180 cm and weigh between 5 and 20 kg. Yellowfin have been reported as large as 239 cm (94 inches) in length and up to 229 kg (440 lbs) in weight. They are also called ahi, which comes from the Hawaiian.

 

 

Yellowfin are beautiful fish whose upper bodies range in color from metallic blue-green to steely black. Their lower bellies and sides are silvery white and on their upper sides, a long stripe of bright gold or iridescent blue runs horizontally along their upper flanks. Their second dorsal, anal and caudal fins are brilliant yellow, and their finlets are bright yellow outlined by a narrow band of black.

 

Younger yellowfins resemble bigeye tunas, but the mature yellowfins have smaller eyes. Yellowfin tuna are migratory and often travel in schools with other species of a similar size. They are often seen swimming among dolphins, porpoises, whales and whale sharks; they are fast and can reach speeds of 50 mph. Yellowfin tuna can fold in their fins, thereby streamlining their torsos and maximizing their ability to move through the water.

Yellowfin meat is mild in flavor and is used for both sushi and sashimi. It is also canned and is often offered as a tuna entree in restaurants.