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Albacore (Thunnus atlanticus) — Scombridae

Albacore

Thunnus atlanticus
Family: Scombridae
LC · Least Concern

The Albacore (Thunnus atlanticus) is a saltwater fish of the family Scombridae that grows up to 108 cm.

Length
107.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–50.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The blackfin tuna is the smallest tuna species (Scombridae) and occurs in the warm western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body with a dark-blue back, silvery flanks and dark fins, built for fast swimming in open water. It forms large, mixed schools, often together with skipjack tuna. As a fast predator it hunts small fishes, squid and crustaceans. It is partly warm-blooded, which increases its endurance. It is a valued sport and food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Albacore?

The Albacore has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Albacore live?

The Albacore lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Albacore get?

The Albacore grows to a maximum of about 108 cm. On average the species is around 72 cm.

Is the Albacore dangerous to humans?

No, the Albacore is harmless to humans.

Is the Albacore edible?

Yes, the Albacore is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwartvintonijn sourced
English name
Albacore verified
Scientific name
Thunnus atlanticus
Family
Scombridae
Other names
Atlantic blackfin tuna; Blackfin Tuna; Blackfin tuna verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
107.9 verified
Average length (cm)
72.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Wordt met sleeplijnen, hengel en kunstaas op open water bevist. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Thunnus

More from the family Scombridae

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