The yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is a type of tuna eaten as food. It is found in open waters of tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, though not in the Mediterranean Sea. It has been reported to be up to 239cm in length and 200kg in weight.

The second dorsal fin and the anal fin are both bright yellow, thus the common name, and they are very long, as are the pectoral fins. The main body is very dark metallic blue, changing to silver on the belly, which also has about 20 vertical lines.

Yellowfins tend to school with fishes of the same size, including other species of tuna, and larger fish are often seen with porpoises, whales and whale sharks. Yellowfins eat other fish, crustaceans, and squid.

Commercial fisheries catch yellowfins with encircling nets , as well as with rod and reel. The fish are mainly sold in frozen or canned form, but are also popular as sashimi.

External link

• FishBase entry for yellowfin tuna