Albacore (Thunnus alalunga)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Thunnus alalunga
- Common name
- Albacore
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Scombridae
- Genus
- Thunnus
- Size
- 40–140 cm
- Depth
- 0–600 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- schooling, fast-moving
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Thunnus alalunga reaches 140 cm and 60 kg. Medium-sized tuna easily identified by very long pectoral fins reaching start of second dorsal (about one third of body). Dark blue back, silver belly. Cosmopolitan temperate to tropical distribution, seasonal migrations. Fished in tropic-band notably around Azores in summer. Quality white flesh, highly prized canned (white tuna). Rarer diving encounter than bluefin but possible in open water.
Photo of Albacore
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Albacore?
- Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) reaches 40–140 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Albacore?
- Albacore is found between 0–600 m deep.
- Is the Albacore dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Albacore?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Albacore?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, East Atlantic, Indian Ocean & Red Sea, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Thunnus
- Thunnus thynnus - Atlantic bluefin tuna
- Thunnus albacares - Yellowfin tuna
- Thunnus obesus - Bigeye tuna
Other species in the family Scombridae
- Scomber scombrus - Atlantic mackerel
- Katsuwonus pelamis - Skipjack tuna
- Sarda sarda - Atlantic bonito
- Euthynnus affinis - Kawakawa
- Auxis rochei - Bullet tuna
- Euthynnus alletteratus - Little tunny
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 127026)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 9694948)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia