Types Of Tuna

Tuna is a highly prized seafood worldwide, consistently ranking among the top three most popular species in North America every year. This popularity is due to its great taste, nutritional benefits, and widespread availability in all oceans. Tunas, alongside mackerels and bonitos, belong to the Scombridae family. They are further classified within the Thunnini tribe, a grouping that encompasses all tuna species and highlights their shared evolutionary lineage.

Key Takeaways

• Species Diversity: There are 15 species of tuna. While two species—Skipjack and Yellowfin—account for 87% of the global commercial catch, the market is defined by 7 “main” and 8 “minor” species. 
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Tuna is a high-protein, low-fat seafood rich in Vitamin D, B12, and Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA), which support heart, brain, and immune health. 
• Culinary Versatility: Albacore is the premier choice for “white meat” applications like salads , while Bluefin and Bigeye are prized for sushi due to their rich fat content. 
• Sustainability Commitment: Through the SeaChange® 2030 program, Chicken of the Sea ensures responsible sourcing and ocean stewardship across its entire tuna supply chain.

What are the main and minor species of tuna?

There are 15 species of tuna. In the commercial tuna market, these are categorized into 7 “main” species and 8 “minor” species. The eight minor species are still caught commercially and recreationally but not nearly in the same volume as the main seven.

7 Main Types	8 Minor Types
Skipjack	Black Skipjack
Albacore	Blackfin Tuna
Yellowfin	Bullet
Bigeye	Frigate
Atlantic Bluefin	Kawakawa
Pacific Bluefin	Longtail or Tongol
Southern Bluefin	Little tunny
	Slender

[H2] Which tuna species are most commonly caught globally?

According to the most recent data from the ISS Foundation, the total catch of main commercial tuna types was 5.2 million tons in 2022. Skipjack and Yellowfin are the dominant species, accounting for a whopping 87% of all tuna caught worldwide.

How much do the different types of tuna weigh and measure?

There are dramatic differences in size between the main tuna types. For example, you would need to catch 27 Skipjack to equal the weight of a single Atlantic Bluefin.

Tuna Species	Maximum Weight	Maximum Length
Skipjack Tuna	75 lbs	3.5 ft
Albacore Tuna	90 lbs	5 ft
Yellowfin Tuna	400 lbs	7 ft
Bigeye Tuna	400 lbs	8 ft
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna	2,000 lbs	10.5 ft
Pacific Bluefin Tuna	990 lbs	10 ft
Southern Bluefin Tuna	1,210 lbs	8 ft

Note: these figures are estimates and will vary based on age, location, and the individual fish.

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What are the defining characteristics of the seven major tuna species?

The following profiles provide greater detail on the seven major tuna species.

What makes skipjack tuna the most popular choice for canning?

• Latin Name: Katsuwonus pelamis
• Maximum Weight and Length: 75 lbs, 3.5 ft
• Habitat: Tropical and warm temperate waters worldwide, mainly in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are often found in large schools near the surface.
• Distinguishing Features: Iridescent blue with black markings on the back, a bullet-shaped body, and a smaller size compared to other species.
• Taste and Texture: Skipjack has a stronger, fishier flavor and a softer texture than most other species, making its tender meat ideal for canning. Learn more about Skipjack.

Why is yellowfin tuna often preferred for steaks and ahi dishes?

• Latin Name: Thunnus albacares

• Maximum Weight and Length: 400 lbs, 7 ft

• Habitat: Tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, often associated with floating objects.

• Distinguishing Features: A yellow dorsal fin, yellow sides, yellow finlets on the tail, and a dark blue-black back. It is also known as “ahi”.

• Taste and Texture: It has a bolder flavor and softer texture than albacore. This makes it ideal for sandwiches, pasta dishes, or anywhere a richer tuna taste is desired.

What are the unique benefits and features of albacore tuna?

• Latin Name: Thunnus alalunga
• Maximum Weight and Length: 90 lbs, 5 ft
• Habitat: Temperate and tropical waters worldwide, often in deep offshore areas.
• Distinguishing Features: Torpedo-like body with remarkably long pectoral fins and large eyes. It has a unique diet preference for cephalopods like squids and octopuses.
• Taste and Texture: Its milder flavor and meaty texture make it suitable for many dishes, from salads to casseroles.

How does bigeye tuna differ in taste and texture?

• Latin Name: Thunnus obesus
• Maximum Weight and Length: 400 lbs, 8 ft
• Habitat: Deeper, warm waters in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Distinguishing Features: Streamlined, deep-bodied fish with a large head and eyes. Its unique physiology allows it to forage in deeper, colder waters. Like yellowfin, it is also known as “ahi”.
• Taste and Texture: Features a rich, sweet flavor with a clean profile. The texture is firm and tender, ideal for searing or raw preparations.

Why is Atlantic bluefin tuna considered a culinary delicacy?

• Latin Name: Thunnus thynnus
• Maximum Weight and Length: 2,000 lbs, 10.5 ft
• Habitat: Western and Eastern Atlantic Ocean. This species migrates long distances and is often found in cooler waters.
• Distinguishing Features: Dark blue coloring on top with gray or shimmering white below and a gold shimmer to the entire body. It has dark red meat.
• Taste and Texture: Mild, buttery, and savory flavor with a subtle sweetness. The texture is firm and smooth, prized for sushi and sashimi.

What distinguishes Pacific bluefin tuna in the wild?

• Latin Name: Thunnus orientalis
• Maximum Weight and Length: 990 lbs, 10 ft
• Habitat: The Pacific Ocean, known for long-distance migrations ranging from east to west.
• Distinguishing Features: Black or dark blue dorsal sides with grayish-green iridescence and small eyes compared to other tuna.
• Taste and Texture: It has a distinct, succulent flavor with an oceanic essence and a firm, slightly chewy texture.

How does Southern bluefin tuna adapt to cold southern waters?

• Latin Name: Thunnus maccoyii
• Maximum Weight and Length: 1,210 lbs, 8 ft
• Habitat: Open waters of the Southern Hemisphere, mainly between 30°S and 50°S.
• Distinguishing Features: Maintains a body core temperature up to 10°C above the surrounding water. It has unique respiratory and circulatory adaptations for high metabolic demand.
• Taste and Texture: Buttery, smooth, and has a “melt-in-your-mouth” feel because it is marbled with fat.

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What are the primary health and nutritional benefits of eating tuna?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults eat 2 to 3 servings of a variety of cooked fish per week (about 8 to 12 ounces). Tuna is an excellent choice as it is rich in protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and potassium.

• Protein: Essential for building strong bones, muscles, cartilage, and skin.
• Vitamin D: Critical for bone health and supports the immune system.
• Vitamin B12: Necessary for red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.
• Omega-3s (EPA and DHA): These fatty acids play a key role in inflammatory pathways and support brain, heart, and eye health.

Which tuna species are used in Chicken of the Sea cans and pouches?

Most canned or pouched tuna comes from skipjack, yellowfin, or albacore tuna. Chicken of the Sea offers various formats to suit different culinary needs.

• Light or Chunk Light Tuna: Typically a mix of skipjack and yellowfin, though it sometimes includes tongol or bigeye. These are perfect for classic dishes like tuna macaroni salad and tuna melts.
• Albacore (White Tuna): Known for its light-colored flesh, firm texture, and mild flavor. It is available as solid white or chunk white and is preferred for dishes like tuna patties that require a firmer, steak-like fish.
• Market Share: About 70% of canned and pouched tuna consumed in the U.S. is skipjack (or small amounts of yellowfin), while around 30% is albacore.

How does Chicken of the Sea ensure sustainable tuna fishing through SeaChange® 2030?

Chicken of the Sea ensures tuna sustainability by adhering to the SeaChange® 2030 framework, which focuses on 100% responsibly sourced seafood and protecting biodiversity. By collaborating with the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), COS maintains rigorous standards for vessel monitoring and ecosystem preservation, ensuring tuna populations remain healthy.

As a global leader in seafood, Chicken of the Sea utilizes third-party certifications and real-time data tracking to provide full transparency from “sea to serving”. This commitment involves reducing carbon emissions and ensuring that wild-caught species, particularly skipjack and yellowfin, are harvested using methods that minimize environmental impact.

What is the proper way to store canned and pouched tuna for maximum freshness?

For optimal quality, store unopened canned and pouched tuna in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry, where temperatures remain stable. Once a container is opened, transfer any unused tuna to a glass or plastic airtight container and refrigerate immediately; it should be consumed within one to two days to ensure peak flavor and safety.

While Chicken of the Sea products are designed for long-term shelf stability, always check the “Best By” date on the packaging. Pouches offer a convenient, “no-drain” format that is vacuum-sealed for freshness, making them ideal for on-the-go storage, whereas cans provide a traditional, robust seal for long-term storage.

How does tuna fit into specialized diets like Keto and Mediterranean?

Tuna is an ideal protein for Keto, Paleo, and Mediterranean diets because it is naturally carb-free and packed with essential lean protein and healthy fats. Its high Omega-3 content aligns perfectly with the heart-healthy focus of the Mediterranean lifestyle, while its zero-sugar profile makes it a staple for those maintaining ketosis.

For those following a strict Keto regimen, pairing Chicken of the Sea Albacore or Yellowfin with healthy fats like avocado or olive oil creates a nutrient-dense meal. Additionally, following the FDA recommendation of 2–3 servings of seafood per week is a convenient way to meet these dietary guidelines while supporting muscle maintenance and cognitive health.

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Sources:

• https://www.iss-foundation.org/tuna-stocks-and-management/tuna-fishing/tuna-species/
• https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/fish/big-tunas
• https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/find-species
• https://www.americanoceans.org/marine-life-species/
• https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/questions-answers-fdaepa-advice-about-eating-fish-those-who-might-become-or-are-pregnant-or#II