Tuna are popular open ocean fish found throughout the world. Several species are harvested commercially. In North America, tuna species include albacore, blackfin, bluefin, bigeye, skipjack, and yellowfin.
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna are long-lived pelagic fish that live in open oceans. Bluefin are noted for having a large, torpedo-shaped body that is nearly circular in cross-section.
Atlantic bluefin tuna sometimes exceed 1000 pounds and 9 feet in length. Atlantic bluefin tuna is the highest valued Atlantic tuna species in the market.
Bigeye Tuna
One of the largest tuna, the bigeye is a popular species. Bigeye are landed in Canada, the USA, and other locations. Bigeye yield high quality meat, favored for sushi.
Longfin Albacore
Albacore is a highly migratory species. It can be found in the cooler tropical waters, and is always on the move, seeking for best feeding and spawning grounds.
Due to its white colored meat albacore is also called “chicken of the sea”. Albacore is among the most popular types of tuna, marketed as “White Tuna” and sold as canned products.
Skipjack Tuna
Skipjacks are small tuna, known for their dark, full flavored meat. Skipjack tuna are caught with purse seines and other gear, primarily in the Pacific. In Hawaii, the species is often called aku.
Blackfin Tuna
One of the smaller tuna, the blackfin is found in the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. The blackfin tuna is an important species in Puerto Rico and other areas of the Caribbean.
Yellowfin Tuna
One of the world’s most beautiful fish, the yellowfin is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and other areas worldwide. Yellowfin are favorite catches of nearshore fishing vessels, which are able to land the species quickly for sale in fresh fish markets.
Related Information