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Albacore Tuna

Sicuro

Thunnus alalunga

Conosciuto anche come: Longfin Tuna, White Tuna, Binnaga, Germon

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Descrizione

Thunnus alalunga, commonly known as Albacore Tuna or 'Tonno Bianco' in Italian, is a species of tuna in the family Scombridae. It is a highly migratory, pelagic fish found in tropical and temperate waters across all oceans. Renowned for its white, firm flesh, it is a commercially important species for fisheries worldwide. Albacore are characterized by their exceptionally long pectoral fins, which can extend beyond the second dorsal fin, a key distinguishing feature.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
torpedo
Colorazione
Dark metallic blue to black on the dorsal side, fading to silvery-white on the flanks and belly. The first dorsal fin is deep yellow, the second dorsal and anal fins are light yellow, and the finlets are dark.
Tipo di squame
cycloid
Posizione della bocca
terminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Exceptionally long pectoral fins, typically extending beyond the origin of the second dorsal fin, sometimes reaching past the anal finlets., Small, conical teeth., Relatively large eyes compared to other tuna species., Seven to nine dorsal finlets and seven to eight anal finlets.
Pinna dorsale
Two dorsal fins; the first is spiny and triangular, the second is soft-rayed and similar in shape but smaller. Followed by 7-9 finlets.
Pinna caudale
Deeply forked caudal fin (lunate), characteristic of fast-swimming pelagic fish.
Pinna pettorale
Unusually long, extending well past the origin of the second dorsal fin, often reaching the anal finlets.
Pinne distintive
The elongated pectoral fins are the most distinctive feature, setting it apart from other Thunnus species.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Pectoral Fin Length

The most reliable identifier: the pectoral fin is remarkably long, extending past the second dorsal fin origin, often reaching the anal finlets. No other tuna species has pectoral fins this long relative to body size.

Coloration

Dark metallic blue back, silvery-white belly. The first dorsal fin is distinctly yellow, and the second dorsal and anal fins are light yellow.

Body Shape

Typical fusiform (torpedo-shaped) tuna body, but often appears more slender than some other tuna species.

Eyes

Relatively large eyes compared to other tuna, which is an adaptation for hunting in deeper, dimmer waters.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
saltwater
Profondità
Primarily epipelagic and mesopelagic, typically found in waters from the surface down to 600 meters (2,000 feet), but most commonly between 100-200 meters.
Ambiente
Open ocean (pelagic), preferring temperate and tropical waters. They are highly migratory, undertaking extensive transoceanic movements.
Areale geografico
Cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. Absent from polar waters.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: expert
  • Temperamento: aggressive
  • Dieta: carnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: Not suitable for home aquaria; requires oceanic conditions and immense space.
  • Temperatura: 10-25°C (50-77°F)
  • Livello di pH: 8.0-8.4
  • Durezza: Not applicable for aquarium setting, oceanic salinity
  • Compatibilità: Not compatible with other species in captivity due to size, speed, and pelagic nature.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires vast, open ocean environments; impossible to maintain in typical aquarium settings due to its migratory and pelagic lifestyle, high metabolic rate, and large size.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: near threatened
  • Stagionalità: Seasonal availability varies by region, generally peaking during warmer months when they migrate to feeding grounds. For example, in the North Atlantic, they are typically targeted from late spring through autumn.
  • Prezzo di mercato: Varies significantly by region, season, and product form (fresh, frozen, canned); generally commands a higher price than skipjack or yellowfin due to its white flesh.
  • Importanza commerciale: high
  • Sapore: Mild, rich, and savory with a clean finish.
  • Consistenza: Firm, flaky, and moist, often described as 'steak-like'.
  • Metodi di cottura: Grilling, Pan-searing, Baking, Canning, Sashimi
  • Valore nutrizionale: Excellent source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), Vitamin B12, Niacin, and Selenium. Lower mercury content compared to larger tuna species like Bluefin, but still present.

Fatti chiave

Long-Distance Migratorsbehavior

Albacore tuna undertake some of the longest migrations of any fish, often crossing entire ocean basins between spawning and feeding grounds.

White Meat Tunainteresting

Albacore is the only tuna species permitted to be labeled as 'white meat tuna' in the United States due to its distinctively pale flesh, which is a result of its diet and muscle composition.

Temperature Preferencebehavior

Albacore prefer cooler temperate waters (15-20°C) compared to other tropical tuna species, which influences their migratory patterns and distribution.

Deep Diversbehavior

While often found near the surface, albacore are known to dive to considerable depths, sometimes over 600 meters, likely in pursuit of prey.

Fast Swimmersbehavior

Like all tuna, Thunnus alalunga are incredibly fast swimmers, capable of bursts of speed to catch prey and evade predators, aided by their streamlined, fusiform body and lunate tail.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: edible
  • Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions beyond standard fish handling (e.g., sharp fins, slippery body). Large specimens can be powerful and require appropriate gear for landing. Mercury content should be considered for frequent consumption, especially for vulnerable populations.

Specie simili

Yellowfin Tuna

Thunnus albacares

Yellowfin tuna have shorter pectoral fins that do not extend beyond the origin of the second dorsal fin. They also have distinctly bright yellow dorsal and anal fins and finlets, which are more pronounced than in albacore.

Bigeye Tuna

Thunnus obesus

Bigeye tuna have pectoral fins that are longer than yellowfin but typically do not reach past the second dorsal fin origin (though some larger individuals may approach this). Their eyes are proportionally much larger than albacore, and their body is more robust and deeper-bodied.

Bluefin Tuna (Atlantic, Pacific, Southern)

Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis, Thunnus maccoyii

Bluefin tuna have significantly shorter pectoral fins that do not reach the second dorsal fin. They are generally much larger and more robust-bodied, with a darker, almost black, dorsal coloration and a more uniform silvery-white belly. Their finlets are typically duller in color.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Scombriformes
Famiglia
Scombridae
Genere
Thunnus
Specie
T. alalunga

Esplora Albacore Tuna

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