ID Guide For Atlantic Tunas
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Species Gill Rakers on First Gill Arch Markings on Lower Body Markings on Upper Body Trailing Edge of Caudal Fin Bottom Surface of Liver Pectoral Fin Length Finlets Length (fork length) & Weight Maximum
Bluefin
34 - 43
Grey spots & bands, sometimes resembles treebark
none
not white
Striated
Very short: does not reach origin of second dorsal fin
Yellow, often with narrow black margin
118+ inches 

1000+ lbs
Yellowfin
26 - 35
Chains (20+) of white streaks & spots
Yellow gold band on sides, fading at death
not white
Without striations
Extends beyond origin of second dorsal fin
Lemon yellow with a very narrow black margin
80 inches 

400 lbs
Bigeye
23 - 31
none
none
not white
Striated margin
Reaches origin of second dorsal fin
Yellow with a black margin
90 inches  450 lbs
Albacore
25 - 32
none
none
white
Striated
Extends beyond anal fin
dorsal: yellowish
anal: silver or dusky
50 inches 

90 lbs
Bonito
16 - 23
none
Oblique dark stripes - seven or more
not white
Without striations
very short
dusky
36 inches 

20 lbs
Skipjack
53 - 63
4 - 6 dark longitudinal stripes on belly
none
not white
Without striations
very short & broad
dusky
40 inches 

40 lbs
Blackfin
19 - 25
alternating bars & spots, light in color
none
not white
Without striations
Reaches origin of second dorsal fin
uniformly dusky with white margins
40 inches 

40 lbs
Little tunny
37 - 43
Chest spots
wavy lines on back
not white
Without striations
short and broad
dusky
40 inches 

35 lbs
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