Yellowfin Tuna
Thunnus albacares · THUN-us al-ba-KAR-eez
diurnalschoolsLeast Concern
EdibleUnfriendly
Superpower
Keeps its muscles warmer than the water, so it can sprint after prey at over 70 km/h.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 150 cm, up to 240 cm
- Lifespan
- 7–9 years
- Depth
- 0–250 m
Habitat
Open tropical and subtropical ocean, above and below the thermocline.
Diet
Fish, squid and crustaceans.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 9/10.
How to cook: Prized as sashimi, seared steaks, or kinilaw; a major Philippine export.
Fun facts
- General Santos City in the Philippines is known as the country's tuna capital.
- Yellowfin can swim in bursts faster than 70 km/h.
- Its long, bright yellow fins give the fish its name.