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Other
names:
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longfin tuna,
long-finned tunny
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Scientific
name:
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Thunnus
alalunga |
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Genus:
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SCOMBRIDAE
FAMILY |
Occurs worldwide in tropical and warm temperate seas.
Also found seasonally in colder zones.
Pelagic and migratory. The most distinguishing fence of this member of
the tuna and mackerel family is its very long pectoral fins that reach
to a point beyond the anal fin.
The pectoral fins of certain other
adult tunas may also be moderately long, but never extend all the way
to the anal fin. Though the very long pectoral fins readily distinguish
the adult albacore from other adult tunas, it should be noted that juvenile
albacore may have shorter pectoral fins than similar-sized yellowfin tuna
or bigeye tuna.
The deepest part of the albacore's body is near the second dorsal fin,
rather than near the middle of the first dorsal fin as in other tunas,
and the vent is round rather than oval or teardrop shape The fins are
dark yellowish, except for the white trailing edge of the tail.
The anal finlets are dark. Fishing methods include trolling with feathered
jigs, spoons and other lures, live and whole bait fishing with mullet,
sauries, squid, herring, anchovies, sardines and other small fishes.
The albacore is considered by anglers to be an excellent light-tackle
game fish. In the United States the albacore is probably the most valuable
tuna in terms of quality and profit. Its white meat is canned and sold
commercially throughout the country, and, with the blackfin tuna, is the
only kind that can carry the label "white meat tuna."
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