Fish Identification Photos: Albacore, Thunnus alalunga: The Albacore is characterized by its “tuna-like” body with very elongated pectoral fins that reach the dorsal finlets. The Albacore has its greatest depth at the origin of the second dorsal fin and has a faint iridescent blue stripe along the flank.

The first dorsal is deep yellow; the anal and second dorsal fins are light yellow; the finlets are dark gray; and the caudal fin is gray with white borders. The Albacore is not easily confused with other species due to its exceedingly long pectoral fins, but otherwise is similar to the Yellowfin Tuna, Thunnus albacares, the Bigeye Tuna, Thunnus obesus, and the Bluefin Tuna.

The Albacore is one of the prized game fish of the San Diego Sportfishing industry, and is member of the Scombridae or Tuna, Bonito, and Mackerel Family found in Mexican waters.

The Albacore is a seasonal oceanic pelagic schooling species that is found only along the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula and around all oceanic islands. On rare occasions it has been reported to enter the Sea of Cortez and travel as far north as East Cape.

The Albacore is found at all levels of the water column. It is reported to reach a length of six feet (which are rare with three to four foot models being more common). This species can be caught in abundance and is normally located via trolled feathers or jigs and then caught on live anchovies or sardines with ample chum being used to keep the school in residence. They are viewed by locals to be a prized game fish on the upper half of the Pacific side of Baja that provide great bragging rights and excellent table fare.