Yellowfin Tuna

The premier offshore game fish of the UAE — powerful, fast, and strikingly beautiful with its vivid yellow finlets and sickle-shaped second dorsal and anal fins. Targeted by serious UAE sport anglers fishing FADs and offshore banks beyond the continental shelf. The flesh is world-class sashimi-grade when caught fresh.

Species Stats

Diet

Flying fish, squid, small tuna, crustaceans

Habitat

Open ocean, offshore blue water, around FADs and seamounts

Local Name (Arabic)

تونة الزعانف الصفراء

Fun Facts

• 1

  Can sustain swimming speeds of over 75 km/h in short bursts — one of the fastest fish in the ocean.

• 2

  The yellow finlets along the back and belly are the key identification feature separating it from other tuna species.

• 3

  A 200 kg Yellowfin Tuna has been caught in the Indian Ocean — the UAE record stands significantly lower but large fish do visit offshore waters.

Research Papers

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