Scientific Name: Thunnus alalunga
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Scombridae
Genus: Thunnus
The albacore is a type of tuna in the family Scombridae. This species is also called albacore fish, albacore tuna, longfin, albies, pigfish, tombo ahi, binnaga, Pacific albacore, German bonito, longfin tuna, longfin tunny, or even just tuna. It is the only tuna species which may be marketed as "white meat tuna" in the United States.
Distribution
It is found in the open waters of all tropical and temperate oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. It can grow to as long as 140 cm (55 inches) and weights up to 60 kg (132 lbs).
Physical Observations
The pectoral fins of the albacore are very long. There are 11 to 14 dorsal spines on it's back, and well forward of the rays of the dorsal fin. The anterior spines are much longer, giving a concave outline to the spiny part of the dorsal fin.
