Skip to main content

Yellowfin Tuna

Thunnus albacares

Appearance

Illustration of a yellowfin tuna showing important characteristics
  • Second dorsal and anal fins very elongated (about 1/5 of total length)
  • Second dorsal fin and all finlets are yellow and may be trimmed in black
  • Golden-yellow stripe on sides
  • Long pectoral fin reaches below the beginning of the second dorsal fin

Similar Species: Blackfin tuna, T. atlanticus (lacks elongated second dorsal and anal fins) 

Size: Common to 60 inches 

Habitat

Offshore waters

Behavior

Spawning peaks in the summer; feed on fishes and invertebrates.

Additional Information

Recreational Regulations

 

Image Credit: © Diane Rome Peebles