Yellowfin tuna

Introduction: Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) are a large and superb gamefish found near the surface. Their fins can be folded close to their bodies or tucked into grooves. This makes for excellent sprinting. The body is mostly covered with small scales and the fins are well-developed. Thunnus is an ancient name for 'tuna' and albacares refers to their 'bright yellow fins'.

Distribution: Throughout Namibian oceanic and coastal waters including Luderitz, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, Henties Bay and Cape Cross.

Diet: Small fish, mantis shrimps, crab and crayfish larvae and squid.

Colouration: A metallic-blue back, yellow flanks and a silvery-white belly, adorned with around 20 narrow and pale bars.

Breeding: Spawning grounds remain obscure, possibly due to their extensive oceanic migrations.

Max size: 100cm

Max weight: 108kg