Yellowfin Tuna
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Scientific Name:
Thunnus albacares Saltwater
Offshore
Native
Fish
- Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
Torpedo-shaped body with a metallic dark blue back, silver belly, and yellow stripe down each side. Thin silver bars may also be present across the body. Elongated crescent shaped second dorsal and anal fins. These fins, plus the finlets and tail fins, are a distinctive yellow, often with black edges. Can grow to more than 400 pounds.
Range and Habitat
Inhabit all tropical and subtropical oceans of the world. Found offshore of Louisiana, typically in deeper, clearer water. Live in the upper portion of the water column.
Behavior
A schooling fish frequently found with other tunas like skipjack and bigeye; also known to associate with dolphins. Very efficient sight hunters, their diet consist of fish, squid, and crustaceans. First spawn between the ages of 1 and 3. Able to spawn year-round, with peak activity in the Gulf of Mexico during warmer summer months. Females can spawn multiple times each year, producing 1 million to 4 million eggs each time. A quick-growing species with a short lifespan of 7 years.