North Pacific Albacore Tuna
Latin Name
Thunnus alalunga
Group Name
Pelagics
Habitat
Albacore tuna have a wide distribution throughout the oceans of the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. They prefer warmer waters and are known to migrate great distances. In Canada, they are found primarily on the Pacific coast of British Columbia, and are found at depths of up to 600 metres, though they are generally found at 250 to 350 metres.
Species Description
Albacore tuna are a hefty fish with a fairly short body that becomes quite narrow near their tail, which is quite slender. They have two dorsal fins, the first of which is dark and the second pale yellow. Albacore tuna have dark blue backs and a whitish underside with a faint blue iridescent line running across their flanks. Albacore tuna are distinguished from similar species by their very long pectoral fins. They can grow to well over a metre in length and weigh more than 50 kilograms.
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