Albacore

Fact File: Common Name(s): Albacore (Long-Fin Tuna) Scientific Name: Thunnus alalunga (Bonnaterre, 1788) Usual Size: To 127cm UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore: 4lb 12oz Boat: Vacant MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: Typical tunny shape, pectoral fins very long and when depressed reach beyond the second dorsal fin. Poorly defined swim bladder, not evident in fish under 50cm. Colour: faint lateral iridescent band runs along sides of the live fish - diminishes on death. The first dorsal fin is deep yellow second dorsal and anal fins bright yellow, and the anal finlets are dark. This is the only Tuna species with a white margin on the edge of the tail. Breeding: Egg dispersal of between 2/3 million per season. Habitat: Favours offshore waters with a surface temperature of 15 to 190C. They prefer clean silt free waters. Food: Anchovy, Squid, small fishes Range: From 450N to 300S - tropical and temperate ocean waters Additional Notes: Mainly found offshore in waters 17/210C REFERENCES: FAO Species Catalogue 2 - Scombrids of The World - Collette/Nauen Fishes of the North-Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean - Whitehead, Bauchot, Hureau, Nielsen, Tortonese Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe - Wheeler

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