Thunnus alalunga (Bonnaterre, 1788)

Albacore

Catalog of Fishes (gen., sp.) | ITIS | CoL

Classification	Actinopterygii \| Perciformes \| Scombridae \| Scombrinae
Synonyms	Scomber alalunga, Germo alalunga, Thynnus alalunga, ... more
Common names	Germon, Atún blanco, Long-finned albacore, ... more

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Thunnus alalunga

Picture by Bariche, M.

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AquaMaps Data sources: GBIF OBIS

Main reference

Collette, B.B. and C.E. Nauen. 1983. (Ref. 168)
Other references | Biblio | Coordinator : Collette, Bruce B. | Collaborators

Size / Weight / Age

Max length : 140 cm FL male/unsexed; (Ref. 3669); common length : 100.0 cm FL male/unsexed; (Ref. 9684); max. published weight: 60.3 kg (Ref. 40637); max. reported age: 9 years (Ref. 72462)

Length at first maturity

L_m 85.0, range 85 - ? cm

Environment

Pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous (Ref. 51243); marine; depth range 0 - 600 m (Ref. 168)

Climate / Range

Subtropical; 10°C - 25°C (Ref. 168); 59°N - 46°S, 180°W - 180°E

Cosmopolitan in tropical and temperate waters of all oceans including the Mediterranean Sea but not at the surface between 10°N and 10°S. Western Pacific: range extend in a broad band between 40°N and 40°S (Ref. 9684). Often confused with juvenile Thunnus obesus which also have very long pectorals but with rounded tips. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea (Ref. 26139).
Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions

Short description

Dorsal spines (total): 11 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 16; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 16. Anterior spines much higher than posterior spines giving the fin a strongly concave outline. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body with very small scales. Pectoral fins remarkably long, about 30% of fork length or longer in 50 cm or longer fish. Ventral surface of liver striated and the central lobe is largest.

An epipelagic and mesopelagic, oceanic species, abundant in surface waters of 15.6° to 19.4°C; deeper swimming, large albacore are found in waters of 13.5° to 25.2°C; temperatures as low as 9.5°C may be tolerated for short periods (Ref. 168). Known to concentrate along thermal discontinuities (Ref. 168). Form mixed schools with skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and bluefin tuna (T. maccoyii), schools may be associated with floating objects, including sargassum weeds (Ref. 168). Feed on fishes, crustaceans and squids. Eggs and larvae are pelagic (Ref. 6769). Sexual maturity reached at 90 cm (Ref. 36731). Highly appreciated and marketed fresh, smoked, deep frozen or canned. Eaten steamed, broiled, fried and microwaved (Ref. 9987). Also Ref. 1762, 1798, 1804. The American Albacore Fishing Association Pacific (North and South Pacific) fishery of this species has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (http://www.msc.org/) as well-managed and sustainable (http://www.msc.org/html/content_1366.htm). Angling: Largely caught offshore, where the waters are mild and blue. Albacore favor those areas where cooler water interfaces with warmer water. They are caught with live of dead baitfish such as mullet, sauries, squid, herring, anchovies, sardines, and other small fish. Albacore strike hard and make powerful runs (Ref. 84357).


IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 84930)	Threat to humans
Data deficient (DD)	Harmless

Human uses
Fisheries: highly commercial; gamefish: yes


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