Binomial name
Bonnaterre, 1788
The yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is a type of tuna found in the open waters of tropical and subtropical seas throughout the world. It is an epipelagic fish, which extends in first 100 meters (330 feet) under water. The relative sizes have been extended as high as 239 cm (94 inches) in length and 200 kg (440 lbs) in weight. Also known is the tuna, its Hawaiian name "ahi." The yellowfin has been a popular replacement for the severely depleted supplies of bluefin tuna.
The second dorsal fin and anal fin are so brilliantly yellow, giving their common name. These can be very long in mature specimens, as are the pectoral fins. The main body is dark blue, metallic, changing to silver on the belly, which has about 20 vertical lines.
The yellowfin stocks tend to do the same with fish size, including other species of tuna, the largest specimens are often seen with dolphins, porpoises, whales and whale sharks. The yellowfin eat other fish, crustaceans and squid.
