OTHER NAMES  |
yellow-finned albacore, allison tuna, Autumn albacore |
| DESCRIPTION |
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They are colored with metallic, dark blue on the back and upper sides, changing to yellow and silver on the belly. The dorsal and anal fins, and finlets are bright yellow. Bigeye, blackfin, albacore, and yellowfin tunas are similar in shape and are caught together. Characteristics that distinguish the yellowfin tuna from other tuna are: elongated anal and dorsal fins on large fish, moderately smooth and nonstriated ventral surface of the liver. The length of the dorsal and anal fins can vary from fish to fish. |
| TYPICAL HABITAT |
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Yellowfin tuna are found worldwide in warm, temperate waters. Like other tuna, this highly migratory species prefers to swim in deep, oceanic waters in search of food. However, yellowfin tuna will run closer to shore than most other tuna. They will do this to stay within their preferred temperature range. Younger fish will shool and swim near the surface, but older ones will typically inhabit a wider range of depths. Older yellowfin also integrate with other species of tuna. |
| FEEDING HABITS |
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Yellowfin feed on fishes and invertebrates associated with sargassum. This will occur in at the water's surface in the open ocean. Foods include larval crabs and shrimps, squids, paper nautilus, flyingfish, triggerfish, and jacks. |
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| FOOD QUALITY |
Like most other tuna, this fish is highly-prized by commercial fishermen. If a yellowfin is to be kept, it is best to bleed the fish immediately. Cut a deep slit behind the pectoral fins once the fish come out of the water — then grab a hose. This cut will sever a the fish's main artery and allow it to bleed quickly. Blood will quickly spoil the fish's meat if this is not done immediately.
Yellowfin tuna may be prepared as tuna salad or served in two popular Japanese dishes: sashimi or shushi. Sashimi is raw tuna strips dipped in soy, vinegar, or hot mustard sauce. Shushi is raw tuna strips served over rice balls.
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| SPORTING QUALITIES |
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Sportfishermen catch yellowfin tuna by trolling brightly-colored lures. A yellow and red plastic skirt trolled at the surface at 10 to 12 knots is an effective method. When hooked, yellowfin will fight hard by diving deep. |
| AGE AND GROWTH |
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Yellowfin tuna are short-lived and have explosive growthrates (2 inches in the first 4 weeks). They are commonly caught between 100 and 200 pounds. They can grow up to 400 pounds. Heavy pressure from commercial fishing fleets have brought yellowfin stocks to record lows. |
| WORLD RECORD |
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388 lbs. 12 ounces Isla San Benedicto, Mexico
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| PREFERRED TEMPS |
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72F to 82F |
More Species:
Dorado | Marlin | Rooster Fish | Sailfish | Snapper |
Snook | Tarpon | Tuna | Wahoo
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Northern Pacific