Albacore are found around the world in warm temperate waters and can migrate thousands of miles each year. Albacore tuna can live up to 12 years and mature at around five years. Spawning occurs in tropical and subtropical waters. The female casts her eggs in open waters and then the male fertilizes the eggs. It is thought that the developing tuna spend their first year of life in the general area the female scattered the eggs and then they move closer to shore, maybe off of Japan or other islands, where they can spend time foraging. Juvenile albacore feed primarily on squid. As an albacore ages it feeds less on squid and more on fish such as saury, lanternfish, or rockfish. Albacore off Washington and Oregon feed primarily on saury and northern anchovy.
Pectoral fin extremely long – extends well beyond front of anal fin except in specimens under about 1 ft. (30 cm). Usually 7-9 dorsal finlets, 7-8 anal finlets. Liver striated on ventral surface. 25-31 gill rakers on 1st arch. Dark blue above; shading to silvery white below. 1st dorsal fin deep yellow, 2nd dorsal and anal fins light yellow. Anal finlets dark. Caudal fin white-edged.
Size: To 4 ½ feet (137 cm)
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