LONGFIN TUNA
THE LONGFIN TUNA FISH
Fish Scientific Name: Thunnus Alalunga
Also Known As: Albacore
Japanese Name: Tombo
Hawaiian Name: Ahipalaha; tombo ahi
Weight: Up to approximately 35kg
The Longfin Tuna – also known as the Albacore and called Tombo in Japanese referring to the meaning of “Long Fin” which can be as long as 30% of its total body length is are mostly found off the Southern Cape Coast of South Africa during warmer summer months, although these also frequent the area during cooler winter months.
They are easily recognisable by their remarkably long pectoral fins. The colour of the body is a deep blue with shades of silvery white. The longfin tuna can reach up to 1.4 m (4.6 ft) in length.
Weather patters, ocean currents, wind, water clarity, availability of baitfish and ocean temperatures determine where the Longfin Tuna swim and for how long per season. They can generally be found within as close as and between 10 – 50 nautical miles off shore.
SUSTAINABILITY
Current status: The Longfin Tuna are being fished sustainably. Overfishing is currently not occurring in the Western Cape Waters off South Africa.
NUTRITION & HEALTH
The Longfin Tuna is an excellent healthy source of extra lean protein. This fish is very low in saturated fat & sodium. It is rich in niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus. It is a good source of iodine and magnesium and a healthy amount of omega-3’s (DHA and EPA).
DIET
The longfin tuna are pelagic predators which eat a variety of foods for their diet which included smaller fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
TYPICAL FISHING METHODS
Yellowfin Tuna are caught by various fishing methods.
Commercial fishing methods catch yellowfin tuna with encircling nets (also known as purse seines) or by the use of industrial longlines.
Sports-fishing methods by means of trolling with various popular different types of rapala, squid rigs, an array of spreader bars, feather lures, poppers.
We fish for a variety of Tuna Species:
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Bigeye Tuna
- Skipjack Tuna
- Bluefin Tuna
- Slender Tuna
- Skipjack Tuna
