Yellowfin Tuna: Characteristic, properties, benefits and more

The yellowfin tuna has the scientific name Thunnus Albacares, and it can be found  in tropical seas all over the world, just as the red or common tuna .

These specimens tend to swim in deep water;  and can submerge by about 100 meters deep. They can be the successors of the common tuna in terms of  extinction, since  their populations has decreased over the years

Yellowfin Tuna: Main Characteristics

This fish  belongs to the  scombridae family.  Its scientific name ; is usually confused with that of albacore tuna,  although it has been demonstrated, that they are different species.

This fish has a stylized body and big muscles.  Its head and eyes are very small, but its fins compared to other tuna are much larger.

This specimen is characterized  by its  gray and blue tonalities; buts its fins have a yellowish  color, which  is the main reason of its name.

Its size can reach up to more than two and a half meters in length , and it can weigh approximately 180 kilograms.

In the same way than  of other types of tuna; the yellowfin tuna is a great swimmer,  since it can reach speeds of up to 80km / h .

These specimen  keep moving constantly; and due to their morphology they tend to come to the surface , since their body is very heavy and it is difficult for them to breathe in the water. So,  they need to appear in the water surface ; to get air.

The young  specimens, can swim around 4 or 5 years in different tropical waters worldwide; although when they reach the adult stage,  they go to the depths and stay there for a long time.

Like the common tunas,  they make long migration trips at least 2 times per year . During their youth,  they travel to reproduce in more tropical waters,  and then they return to their original habitat to be able to expel their eggs.

Let´s enjoy this brief video, about this especies.

Differences Between Yellowfin Tuna and Albacore Tuna.

Many people often confuse  these two types of species , classifying  them as one, however they are not related. The albacore is pink or red in color, depending on the case,  even a little brown in some occasions, while its flesh has the same hue.  However, in many countries it is considered a white meat fish….

Regarding the flavor, the albacore does not have as much flavor, as the the yellowfin tuna ,  which has a juiciness and unequaled flavor very similar to the common tuna.

The levels of mercury that both contain are high,  especially in the case of the yellowfin  tuna,  because of its big size.  Moreover, both fish present similar properties;  the albacore has many vitamins and minerals  which are useful for our body, despite its small size.

In terms of mobility,  the albacore are not as fast as yellowfin tunas; their size and weight do not allow them to reach the depths,  so ; they survive in shallower waters . On the other hand,  the  alimentation of these two specimens,  is very similar, even when the food retention of the albacore is not that big.

The   migrations of these two species are totally different. The albacore only travels a few kilometers searching for food, and they only migrate when the place where they settle , is no good enough  to supply food.  Its reproduction only occurs  during summer, but they don´t return to this place,  after expelling their eggs, as the yellow fin tunas do.

Regarding the distribution,  both  species prefer tropical waters, with temperatures over 15 º C degrees .  However, these specimens are scattered in totally different seas.

According to the afore mentioned,  it is quite important to know the differences between these two species. You must take into account,   that in spite of their similar names,  they are totally opposed in every aspect. The lack of knowledge about this information,  makes many people get confused ,  especially in fishing terms. On the other hand, the yellowfin tuna can be considered as a more requested species, by consumers.

The fishing of   the yellowfin tuna, goes from the commercial to the sport scopes ,  while the albacore is rather sought for commercial purposes but in few quantity.

Behavior.

The yellowfin tuna usually lives in deep areas,  however  it can also approach to the shore of tropical waters in search of food. They are characterized by swimming  in large groups and usually have no problems adapting to different  conditions in terms of food and habitat.  It is the male who commonly  dives into the depths, creating different groups to perform this activity. Yellowfin tuna get along very well with other species of fish, and can even migrate together. Moreover, they have been seen in several occasions, with dolphins and whales, although they are considered not to act much with them;  they just back them up with their protective instinct.

What do Yellowfin Tuna Feeds On?

These specimens feed on a wide variety of fish, and they do so in large quantities. Their huge appetite affects their mobility for some time, until they go down and digest what they have consumed.

Their diet also includes crustaceans and mollusks, and due to their ability to swim at high speed, they can capture  others fast prey such as mackerel and some flying fish.  Moreover, they are also able  to get  food on the seashore, using their  very acute sense of  sight.

Yellowfin Tuna´s Reproduction.

Unlike other species, the  yellowfin tuna can reproduce at different times of the year, and it depends on the location where they are. They can swim long distances just to reproduce, returning later  to their original habitat, to deposit their eggs.

The females can deposit up to 10 million eggs per year,  but only a small percentage of them survive,  because they are easy prey of various predators,  such as sharks and killer whales along the seas.

The Reproduction usually occurs when the yellowfin tuna reaches 3 or 4 years of age. They measure around 2 meters , when they are at the reproductive  age, and it takes 19 months to  the  eggs to develop where they were deposited.

Yellowfin Tuna´s Habitat.

They are considered tropical tunas,  since they like the warm waters, so they are distributed throughout the Indian Ocean and in many islands around the world. Morever, they have also been seen swimming in deep waters, thanks to their charactetic color wich allows to see them with ease.  However, it has been corroborated  that they can also adapt to shallow waters for brief periods of time. The appropriate temperatures for this species ranges between 18 and 31 Celsius degrees, and the Mediterranean Sea, is the only location with such characteristics, where they  haven´t been found.  The deep waters are their common habitat during day, but they displace to shallower waters at night to rest.

Population.

The population of yellowfin tunas is  quite high. In spite of the absence of an accurate  information; it is speculated that they can replace the common tunas ,  if  they disappear.

The number of these specimen that inhabit the world,  is very high,  and since the fishermen focus  their attention on the common tunas,  the yellowfin ones, are safe in the meantime.

Fishing.

The fishing of yellowfin tuna is carried out in two ways.  The first one is performed by commercial fishermen, who use the traditional nets to capture them,  in order to sell their meat either fresh to recognized restaurants,  or to processors companies that are responsible of canning them.
As far as sport fishing is concerned, completely different activities are carried out, this is only destined to focus on the characteristics that the fish already possesses. In this practice  the fishermen don´t keep the fish since they release it once captured.

This sport is mainly encouraged because fishermen like to appreciate the speed and the strength  employed by the tuna, to avoid being captured.

Common Techniques for Yellowfin Tuna Sport fishing

As previously mentioned,  we know that yellowfin tuna is found in very deep tropical waters around the world. Thus,  if you want to consider practicing this sport,  you must first take into account, that the large species are those found in these depths,  and that will not be an easy task. It is recommended that if you are a beginner in the subject,  you should try first with the species that you can find at the edge of the sea , increasing step by step your skills, until you reach the desired large species.

The most recommended baits for this practice, are live fish or crustaceans, since they will capture the attention of the yellowfin tunas immediately , attracting  them in large quantities.

A very useful tip, is to be located in areas where abandoned boats or dead animals are found s, since these tunas tend to populate these areas.  . Finally you must have a fishing team of high quality, if you go in search of them you should be advised  by experts. Take also into account, that because of the speed and strength  of this fish,  it is quite recommended resistant fishing rods

This type of sports is not that harmful for the species, on the contrary, more people join it since fishermen only enjoy admiring the characteristics of the yellowfin tunas,  without harming their condition and even more without altering their natural habitat.

Let´s learn more about this practice

Extinction And Threats.

We know that yellowfin tuna is not yet at full risk, however  there are several concerns about them, since they are considered as the possible  substitutes  of the common  tunas. This fact makes  the conservatives organizations to fear,  that both species could disappear.

Yellowfin Tuna Main Threats

The predators of the yellowfin tunas,  represent the main concern for them. We find  sharks, birds, swordfish, among other species, in the category of natural predators.

However, the commercial fishing  of this species is obviously its main threat. The exquisite flavor of its meat,  as well as its beneficial properties, further this situation. Although many times this type of commercial fishing, is not carried out to capture the yellowfin tuna, in most cases this happens by simple chance or mistakes, when trying to fish others species. Conservation of yellowfin tuna.

Many experts consider that although the danger of this species is not serious at the moment, if it continues fomenting the undue fishing of the same even when this species roams in the Mediterranean Sea; it is recommended to comply with the figures that were agreed upon at least in the European community in 2009 and to try to control all commercial fishing associations so that exploitation of the same can not exist. Since if you do not follow this type of normal in time, in at least 15 years this type of species can be placed within the red numbers and the market would be completely out of control to be able to act firmly. Observe how you can fish to conserve this species.

Conservation Status Of  The Yellowfin Tuna.

Many experts consider,  that in spite this species is not at risk of extinction; it is recommended to comply with the figures that were agreed upon in the European community in 2009,  and to try to control all commercial fishing associations,  so that overexploitation of  any kind of tuna decreases not exist.

If the proper measures are not followed,  in at least 15 years, many types of tunas  will be placed within the red numbers of endangered species,  and the market will  be completely out of control.

Yellowfin Tuna Properties for Health

Like  the common tuna, the yellowfin tuna is quite employed in the Asian gastronomy, where people usually consumethem raw. However most of them ignore the amount of properties and benefits it possesses. The Yellowfin , is rich in vitamins, proteins, fats and minerals that help our body to be strong and healthy. In turn it contains a lot of nutrients that improve our health. However,  it also has high levels of mercury  (see article  bonito fish ), that if consumed in excess can be harmful for the body. So, the most advisable in these cases, is to consume it consciously, since you can include it in your diet but only for certain days, alternating  it with other foods that contain the same benefits that it  provides.

Proteins and Selenium.

The yellowfin tuna is loaded of many proteins.  Many experts say that a small portion  contains up to 40% of proteins ,  which is very beneficial for our health.

On the other hand, the selenium helps the activation of enzymes, controlling also  the growth of new cells in the bod,. In addition,  it also controls the circulation of the blood,  and in the case of men the selenium increases the production of sperm.

Vitamin D and Phosphorus.

The vitamin D along with phosphorus, has many properties that strengthen the bones.  The phosphorus, combined with a little calcium of another ingredient , are quite useful for creating new tissues for bones. In turn, vitamin D also helps our body to distribute calcium correctly.

 

Potassium and vitamin B12.

The potassium and vitamin B12  contained in yellowfin tuna, help the body to strengthen the brain function, Vitamin  B12 is essential since it helps the neurotransmitters of the brain,  to be in good working order. For its part, the potassium helps to maintain synchronized,  the communications between the brain and the nervous channels, which also helps to prevent  several diseases that may occur in the future.

 it is time to learn more about vitamin B

Benefits of  the Yellowfin Tuna.

The consumption of yellowfin tuna is very beneficial for our health. All the aforementioned properties ,bring a lot of positive aspects for our body, and at the same time helps the prevention of multiple diseases.

Heart  Functioning and Blood Pressure.

Its high levels of potassium and omega- 3 acids, promote the reduction of cholesterol levels in the body, improving also the  blood´s circulation through  the arteries and blood vessels. These acids also prevent heart attacks which can even cause death.

 

anti-inflammatory properties

These acids and the omega -3,  are also known by acting as anti-inflammatory organisms of our body,  and the best thing is that they are found in large quantities in yellowfin tuna. So,  its consumption prevents the constant inflammation of our body, since these types of fats are processed quickly by  the body. At the same time they helps in the prevention of related diseases such as arthritis.

 

body´s energy .

Due to its  content  of vitamin B , the yellowfin tuna helps keep the body full of energy throughout the day. It also improves the pigments in the skin preventing premature aging. The   metabolism is also improved by means of the consumption of  vitamin B12 .

depression.

In the case of women it has been determined that the consumption of yellowfin tuna prevents  the risks of depression, that can occur for any problem.

Prevents cerebral diseases.

Recent statistics show,  that the consumption of  the yellowfin,  prevents brain diseases especially in people of advanced age. According to these statistics, a small portion of this fish reduces up to 30% any problem that arise from obstruction of arteries caused by lack of pumping blood and oxygen to the brain.

Reduces triglycerides.

One of the most important advantages, in the consumption of this type of species is the considerable reduction of the levels of triglycerides located in the blood. The increment of these levels  the blood routes.

 

Immune system.

The selenium that provides the yellowfin tuna, help  the organism to create immunity. It also  increases the level of white blood cells which is quite beneficial.  You won´t suffer from infections or diseases constantly, as it acts as a defense layer and protection against them.

It is effective to lose  weight 

If you need to lose weight by medical recommendation; or because you simply decided to have a healthier body this, is an ingredient that you should not hesitate to include in your daily diet.

All the above mentioned properties, help the body to process them in the best way. The fats it contains, are the best for our body; and in turn its calories are so low,  that the yellow fin does not represent any risk.

body’s muscle mass

All the properties that the yellowfin tuna has,  helps that instead of gaining weight you can revert those proportions and gain the muscle mass that you need so much. The fiber that it contains helps to improve the muscular mass and to tone it in a better way.

Consequences of eating Yellowfin Tuna in Excess.

Only one mineral  affects  our health, when consuming yellowfin tuna in excess, and that is mercury. The high levels that this fish  possesses, can harm our body,  especially  if  we talk about women that are breastfeeding. Moreover, mercury can also affect the  vision, as well at the respiratory system.

If you suffer from kidney problems, it is recommended  not to abuse in the consumption of tuna; since the  existing damages could get worse and suffer from kidney failure over time.

The best way to consume any kind of tuna is when they are fresh;  since when they are canned or processed,  they also contain chemicals and more mercury. These methods are employed  to store them for much longer. It is not recommended,  to provide  any kind of tuna, to children under 3 years of age, because it can also be harmful for them .

Finally, let´s enjoy this video to learn how to cook this deliciuos fish.