Albacore tuna, often recognized as “white meat” tuna, is a highly migratory species found across the world’s tropical and temperate oceans. These torpedo-shaped fish are notable for their exceptionally long pectoral fins, which can extend almost half their body length. Albacore are commercially important due to their mild flavor and firm texture, making them a popular choice for canning and fresh consumption.
Typical Albacore Tuna Dimensions
Albacore tuna typically exhibit a moderate size compared to other tuna species. Adult albacore usually measure between 3 to 4 feet (91 to 122 cm) in length. Their weight commonly ranges from 20 to 50 pounds (9 to 23 kg) in commercial catches. However, larger individuals can be found, with some reaching up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) long and weighing closer to 88 to 90 pounds (40 to 41 kg).
Influences on Albacore Tuna Size
Several biological and environmental factors contribute to the size an albacore tuna attains throughout its life. Age is a significant determinant, as albacore grow continuously, typically reaching sexual maturity around five years of age and living up to 13 to 15 years. Their diet, primarily consisting of cephalopods like squid, along with small fish and crustaceans, fuels their high metabolism, which requires them to consume a substantial amount of food, sometimes up to 25 percent of their body weight daily. Environmental conditions, such as ocean temperature and habitat, also play a role, with albacore preferring waters between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (10-25°C), and juveniles often found in warmer surface waters while adults inhabit cooler, deeper areas. Growth rates can also vary between sexes and across different geographical regions, with males often growing larger than females after about four years of age.
Largest Recorded Albacore Tuna
The largest albacore tuna ever officially recorded by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) weighed 88 pounds, 2 ounces (39.9 kg). This record-breaking fish was caught by Siegfried Dickemann on November 19, 1977. The impressive specimen was landed off Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, Spain. It measured 48.5 inches (123 cm) in length with a girth of 37 inches (94 cm). While this remains the official world record, a California state record albacore weighing 90 pounds, 4 ounces was reportedly caught, though it was not recognized by IGFA due to a non-approved hook.
Albacore Tuna Compared to Other Species
Albacore tuna are considered a medium-sized species within the diverse tuna family, ranking larger than some but generally smaller than the giants. Skipjack tuna, often used for canned “light” tuna, are typically smaller than albacore, reaching maximum weights of around 75 pounds (34 kg) and lengths up to 3.5 feet (1.1 meters). Yellowfin and bigeye tuna generally grow much larger than albacore, often reaching 400 pounds (181 kg) and 7-8 feet (2.1-2.4 meters). The largest tuna species are the bluefins. Atlantic bluefin tuna can be exceptionally massive, sometimes exceeding 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weighing over 1,500 pounds (680 kg), with the world record standing at nearly 1,500 pounds. Pacific bluefin can reach up to 990 pounds (450 kg) and 10 feet (3 meters), while Southern bluefin can weigh up to 1,210 pounds (549 kg) and measure 8 feet (2.4 meters).