Author: (Bonnaterre, 1788)
FBname: Albacore
Comments: An epipelagic and mesopelagic, oceanic species, abundant in surface waters of 15.6° to 19.4°C; deeper swimming, large albacore are found in waters of 13.5° to 25.2°C; temperatures as low as 9.5°C may be tolerated for short periods (Ref. 168).  Known to concentrate along thermal discontinuities (Ref. 168).  Form mixed schools with skipjack tuna (<i>Katsuwonus pelamis</i>), yellowfin tuna (<i>Thunnus albacares</i>) and bluefin tuna (<i>T. maccoyii</i>), schools may be associated with floating objects, including sargassum weeds (Ref. 168).  Feed on fishes, crustaceans and squids.  Eggs and larvae are pelagic (Ref. 6769).  Sexual maturity reached at 90 cm (Ref. 36731).  Highly appreciated and marketed fresh, smoked, deep frozen or canned.  Eaten steamed, broiled, fried and microwaved (Ref. 9987).  Also Ref. 1762, 1798, 1804.
  Angling: Largely caught offshore, where the waters are mild and blue.  Albacore favor those areas where cooler water interfaces with warmer water.  They are caught with live of dead baitfish such as mullet, sauries, squid, herring, anchovies, sardines, and other small fish.  Albacore strike hard and make powerful runs (Ref. 84357).