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Animal profile

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

ActinopterygiiTemperate and subtropical open ocean, from the surface layer down to several hundred metresLeast Concern

Field profile

Albacore is a medium-sized tuna recognisable by extremely long pectoral fins that reach past the second dorsal fin. Its pale flesh is the only tuna permitted to be sold as white meat tuna in the United States. It undertakes long trans-oceanic migrations.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-10-01

Albacore

Only albacore may be sold as white tuna

In United States labelling practice, white meat tuna refers to one species. Albacore's flesh is markedly paler than that of other commercial tunas, and the term is reserved for it; other species must be sold as light or dark tuna.

Read with evidence →

Albacore | Daily Animal Facts