Tuna Stakes

Distinctive Characteristics

Bigeye tuna

Stocky body and large eye characterize the species. The pectoral fin reaches the 2nd
dorsal fin. The margin of the ventral surface of the liver is striated; the center lobe
of the liver is larger than the other two lobes. A swimbladder is present, and there
are 23-31 gill rakers on the first gill arch.
The 1st dorsal fin is deep yellow, and the 2nd dorsal and anal fins are brownish or
yellowish with narrow black edges. The finlets are yellow with dark edges. Generally
no markings on body, but in live specimens a lateral iridescent blue band runs along
sides.

Size
Maximum: 90 inches Common: 16 to 67 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 392 pounds 6 ounces

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin have a fusiform body, compressed and stocky in front. The pectoral fin does
not reach the origin of the 2nd dorsal fin. The height of the 2nd dorsal fin is greater
than that of the 1st dorsal fin. The liver is striated on the ventral surface, and a
swimbladder is present. There are 34-43 gill rakers on the first gill arch.
The back and upper sides are dark blue to black with a gray or green iridescence. The
lower sides are silvery, marked with gray spots and bands. The 2nd dorsal fin is
reddish-brown, and the anal fin is dusky with some yellow. The finlets are yellow,
edged with black. The caudal keel is black at the adult stage, but is semi-transparent
when immature.

Size
Maximum: over 118 inches Common: 16 to 79 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 1,496 pounds.

Yellowfin Tuna

Fusiform body, more slender than that of bluefin or bigeye. Small eyes and head,
longer 2nd dorsal and anal fins than any other tuna (which get longer with age). The
liver is without striations on the ventral surface, and a swimbladder is present. There
are 26-35 gill rakers on the first gill arch. The pectoral fins usually reach beyond the
origin of the 2nd dorsal fin but not beyond the end of its base.
Yellowfin have a dark blue back with a yellow lateral band on the upper sides. The
lower sides and belly are silvery-gray, often with chains of white vertical lines and
spots. The 2nd dorsal and anal fins are yellow, and the finlets are yellow with a narrow
black margin.

Size
Maximum: 80 inches Common: 16 to 67 inches
Current IGFA all tackle record 388 pounds 12 ounces.

Shortfin Mako

Snout very pointed; teeth without cusplets; edges of teeth smooth; head length
greater than pectoral fin length*; underside of head
white*; first dorsal fin behind pectoral fins; caudal fin
with a single keel; maximum size approximately 12 feet;
occurs primarily offshore; easily confused with the longfin
mako (Isurus paucus), which is prohibited.