Description: Can be distinguished from other tunas by a long pectoral fin that may reach to a point beyond the anal fin. The pectoral fin in juvenile albacore may be similar to that of yellowfin or bigeye. swimbladder present, but poorly developed and not evident in individuals smaller than about 20 inches in length. Liver is striated on the ventral surface. 25-32 gill rakers on first gill arch. Albacore lack any stripes or spots on lower flanks and belly. The tail fin has a thin white trailing edge. No yellow on main fins, but dorsal finlets are yellowish. Anal finlets are silvery or dusky.

Size: Commonly 16 to 43 inches, can reach 50 inches and up to 88 pounds.

Range: A temperate species, found worldwide in tropical and warm temperate seas.

Natural History: Seasonally found in colder zones. Usually remains in tropical or warm waters and makes migrations into colder waters, as far north as New England. In the Atlantic, larger size classes (31 to 50 inches) are associated with cooler water bodies, while smaller individuals tend to occur in warmer waters. Albacore reach sexual maturity at about 37 inches in length, and spawn in June-July in sub-tropical western areas of both hemispheres and throughout the Mediterranean Sea.