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Yellowfin Tuna

Species Identification

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Yellowfin Tuna
2 photos

Yellowfin Tuna

Thunnus albacares

Also known as: Ahi; Yellowfin

Offshore Pelagic Stable globally; rare in PNW

Size & Weight

Average Length 56.4"
Max Length 94.0"
Average Weight 100.0 lbs
Max Weight 441.0 lbs
Lifespan 9 years

Habitat

Depth Range 0 - 800 ft
Water Temp 64-77°F

Open ocean; tropical/warm waters; pelagic; offshore

Behavior

Spawning Season Tropical waters year-round

Migration: Highly migratory; follow warm water; occasional PNW during warm years

Diet: Fish; squid; crustaceans

Fishing Tips

PNW Season Rare in PNW; El Niño years
View season chart →

Techniques: Trolling; chunking; live bait

Best Bait: Live bait; squid; trolling lures

Eating Quality

Edibility Excellent

Premium sashimi; firm; mild

State Records

California
265.0
lbs

Fun Facts

Distinctive yellow fins; primarily tropical; occasional warm water incursions to PNW

How to Identify

Distinctive yellow fins (finlets); primarily tropical; similar to Bluefin but smaller; occasional PNW warm water visitor

Official Resources

Sources: NOAA; CDFW
Change History (Last updated Feb 04, 2026 at 06:14 AM)
Date Change Old Value New Value
Feb 04, 2026 06:14 AM Updated Native Or Introduced Native (migratory)
Feb 04, 2026 06:13 AM Added image species-84-7157d1be33f96919.jpg
Feb 04, 2026 06:12 AM Added image species-84-c17ddff466baba8e.jpg
Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM Updated Avg Length 56.4

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