yellowfin

Yellowfin, or yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), is a large, highly migratory tuna native to tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. It has a streamlined body with a metallic blue-green back and bronze sides, and is named for its long bright yellow dorsal and anal fins and yellow finlets.

The species commonly reaches 1.2 to 1.8 meters in length and can weigh well over 100 kilograms, with exceptional individuals exceeding 200 kilograms. Yellowfin are fast swimmers and undertake extensive migrations, often spanning ocean basins. They inhabit the epipelagic zone near the surface and can be found in warm waters near continental shelves, seamounts, and offshore platforms. In some fisheries they are attracted to floating objects or fish aggregating devices (FADs), which can influence their distribution.

Diet consists mainly of squid, small fish, and crustaceans. Reproduction occurs offshore in warm waters; females release large numbers of eggs, and individuals reach sexual maturity after a few years, depending on stock and region. Yellowfin tuna are a target for commercial fisheries worldwide due to their meat quality, which is valued for sashimi, grilling, and canning.

Fisheries rely on longline, purse seine, trolling, and handline gear, among others. The species supports major export markets but is subject to bycatch concerns, including sharks, seabirds, and turtles. Stock status and management vary by region, with regional fisheries management organizations implementing measures such as catch quotas, gear restrictions, and area or seasonal closures to promote sustainability. Climate and ocean conditions can affect distribution and abundance, influencing both ecological dynamics and fishery planning.