Fish
Albacore
Thunnus alalunga
Out of season
—
Fishing zones
Wild
Origin
97 cm
Minimum size
Description
Its most striking feature is the exceptional length of its pectoral fins, which extend well beyond the base of the second dorsal fin (often reaching the second anal fin). The body is spindle-shaped, robust, and hydrodynamic. It is deeper in the region of the second dorsal fin than in the region of the first. The back is dark metallic blue, while the sides and belly are silvery white. An iridescent blue lateral line may be visible on live specimens. The fins are generally dark with a white border on the caudal fin. The maximum length can reach 140 cm, but is generally around 100 cm. It can weigh up to 60 kg. An opportunistic predator, it feeds on fish (anchovies, sardines), squid, and crustaceans.
Habitat
A pelagic and oceanodromous species (a deep-sea migrant). It is found from the surface down to a depth of 600 meters. It prefers waters with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. It tends to remain below the thermocline during the day. It is a gregarious species that forms compact schools, sometimes mixed with other tuna species such as bluefin tuna or skipjack tuna.
Distribution
This is a cosmopolitan species found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide, from northern Norway to southern Africa and Argentina. It is present throughout the basin but absent from the Black Sea. It has a wide distribution between 45°N and 50°S.