Yellowfin tuna

1. Large median keel with 2 smaller keels on either side of caudal peduncle
2. Pectoral fins moderate in length with bluntly pointed tips
3. Second dorsal fin and anal fin yellow, more elongated in adults
4. 26–34 gill rakers on first gill arch
5. 10 dorsal finlets, 7–10 anal finlets
6. Interpelvic process with 2 flaps
7. A distinct notch in central portion of trailing edge of caudal fin
8. Ventral surface of liver without striations, right lobe elongated (Fig. 1)
9. Swimbladder usually deflated or partly inflated, occupying anterior portion of body cavity (Fig. 2)

Dark blue-black above edged with a thin blue line, flanks and belly silver. Fresh specimens display a bright yellow mid-lateral band extending from the eye to the tail. A series of closely spaced vertical white/silver lines alternating with vertical rows of silver dots in the form of a chevron pattern occur from beneath the pectoral fin to the tail and extend above mid-lateral line. Fins yellow to yellowish, anal fin often tinged with silver. Finlets bright yellow sometimes with narrow black margin.

Up to 240 cm TL and up to 176.4 kg in weight.

Found in warm temperate and tropical waters circumglobally.

Pelagic and oceanic. Found within a temperature range of 15–31 °C and at depths from the surface to 250 m.