Tuna Facts For Tuna Season

Tuna Facts For Tuna Season

Tuna are popular catches for good reason. As one of the few warm blooded fish, tuna are able to enter colder waters and swim faster than most other fish, and have populations spread across the oceans. This unique trait lends itself to their speed and size, making for memorable battles with fishermen.Tuna is in high demand in dishes such as sushi, and also offers nutritional value as a lean protein and rich source of vitamins and minerals. WIth tuna season fast approaching, here are some facts about some of the most notable tuna species. 


Bluefin Tuna are legendary for their size and fatty flesh. The three species of Bluefin Tuna are Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern. The largest members of these species have been known to reach up to 8 feet long and weigh 1500 pounds. Japan is responsible for roughly 80% of bluefin demand, as high quality bluefin tuna is prized in sushi and sashimi. One 612 lb catch sold for a whopping $3.1 million at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market in 2019.

Yellowfin Tuna are named for their bright yellow second dorsal and anal fins. Thanks in part to these fins, they are among the fastest of all fish, reaching speeds of over 40 mph. Though not as large as bluefin tuna, yellowfin can still measure up to7 feet long and weigh up to 400 pounds. Albacore is often known in the market as ahi tuna, with firm flesh and mild flavor that lends itself well to many cuisines.

Albacore Tuna are one of the more common tuna species. They are among the smaller tuna species, averaging  around 4 ½ feet in length and 25 pounds. One of their distinguishing features is their elongated pectoral fins, which can be a third of their total body length.  Albacore is one of the primary tuna species used in canned tuna, and its mild taste means it can be enjoyed in many kinds of cooking. 

Of course, when it comes to securing a tuna, Opah Gear has got it covered. Our largest bags store up to 485 qts of volume, perfect for storing tuna in. They can also keep ice stored for up to 4 days, which means your tuna will stay fresh.