Albacore Tuna
Scientific Name: Thunnus alalunga | Category: saltwater
The albacore is an elegant torpedo of the open ocean, its body a study in hydrodynamic perfection. It typically grows to 25-40 pounds, though 60-pound giants are not unheard of. Anglers will recognize its extraordinarily long, scythe-like pectoral fins, which can extend nearly halfway down the body – earning it the fitting moniker 'longfin.' Its back is a deep metallic blue, fading to silver sides and a shimmering white belly, with subtle iridescence along the flank. When landed, its clean lines and unblemished chrome sheen are a hallmark of the species, distinguishing it from its chunkier tuna cousins.
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"id": "f5883e7b-9edc-4f53-a38d-c204ef2706c9",
"commonName": "Albacore Tuna",
"scientificName": "Thunnus alalunga",
"slug": "albacore-tuna",
"category": "saltwater",
"aliases": [
"Albacore",
"Longfin Tuna",
"Longfin",
"Chicken of the Sea",
"Tombo",
"Germon",
"White Meat Tuna"
],
"description": "The albacore is an elegant torpedo of the open ocean, its body a study in hydrodynamic perfection. It typically grows to 25-40 pounds, though 60-pound giants are not unheard of. Anglers will recognize its extraordinarily long, scythe-like pectoral fins, which can extend nearly halfway down the body – earning it the fitting moniker 'longfin.' Its back is a deep metallic blue, fading to silver sides and a shimmering white belly, with subtle iridescence along the flank. When landed, its clean lines and unblemished chrome sheen are a hallmark of the species, distinguishing it from its chunkier tuna cousins.",
"imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/albacore-tuna/main.webp",
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"caption": "The albacore is an elegant torpedo of the open ocean, its body a study in hydrodynamic perfection.",
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"phases": [
{
"id": "dab02001-975f-4242-8ea3-264e287f2da5",
"name": "Ocean Adult",
"slug": "ocean-adult",
"description": "This is the nomadic hunter of the open ocean, living a life of perpetual motion in the blue desert. Schools cruise vast distances, their lives dictated by water temperature and the pursuit of baitfish. This is the phase an angler will encounter, from the first-year 'football' tunas to the powerful 60-pound giants.",
"appearance": "Body is a hydrodynamic, streamlined torpedo, deepest at mid-length and tapering sharply to a narrow caudal peduncle. The back is a deep, shimmering metallic blue that transitions to bright, reflective silver on the sides and a pure, gleaming white belly. A subtle, radiant iridescence runs along the flank in good light. The defining feature is the extremely long, scythe-like pectoral fins, which are dark-tipped and can reach beyond the origin of the second dorsal fin, nearly halfway down the body length. The tail is deeply forked, and all fins are a dark grayish-blue. No spots or distinctive markings. Size ranges from 15 to 60 pounds, with smaller 'football' fish appearing more uniformly silver.",
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"habitat": "Pelagic, open ocean waters. Prefers clear, deep blue water with temperatures between 58-68°F. Found worldwide in temperate and tropical seas, often associated with current lines, temperature breaks, and floating debris.",
"anglersNote": "The primary target for sport and commercial fishing. Prized for its hard fight on light tackle and its high-quality, light-colored flesh. Often caught by trolling, casting to breaking schools, or chunking.",
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}
],
"contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:33:36.453Z"
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"description": "Albacore tuna, also known as longfin tuna, are fast, open-ocean predators. Anglers prize their strong fight and light-colored flesh. Learn how to catch them.",
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