Albacore Tuna

Albacore are a highly migratory species found throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans – between 40 degrees north and 40 degrees south – and in the Mediterranean Sea.
© Michel Gunther / WWF-Canon

Physical Description

Albacore are bullet-shaped and always on the move with a dark blue back and lighter blue-gray sides and belly.  Albacore also have very long pectoral fins and live for around 12 years.  They can grow as large as 4 feet long and 80 pounds.

Habitat and Distribution

Albacore are a highly migratory species found throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans – between 40 degrees north and 40 degrees south – and in the Mediterranean Sea.  Young albacore are mainly found in warmer, shallow waters while adults can dive as deep as 1,200 feet.

Diet

Albacore are near the top of the marine food web and are opportunistic feeders on fish, crustaceans and squid.

Reproduction

Albacore reach reproductive maturity around 5 years of age and 30 inches (1 meter) in length.  Albacore spawn in the spring and summer, and may spawn several times each year.

Policy

Albacore fisheries are managed by

• The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
• The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) in the Indian Ocean
• Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in the Western Pacific Ocean
• The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean