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FISH GUIDE · Sea

Albacore: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Thunnus alalunga

Albacore is Thunnus alalunga, with very long pectoral fins. The trolling approach is an indicative adaptation of documented practices; the old Irish account proves no current permission in Ireland or France. In French Mediterranean waters, the order of 8 July 2025 establishes a 3-year moratorium for this species from its publication on 17 July 2025: recreational fishing is prohibited, including catch and release. An accidental catch must be reported within 48 hours. This text grants no permission on the Atlantic coast; check the rules in force before any trip.

Catalogue names : Germon, Thon blanc. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Found in tropical and temperate waters of the major oceans and in the Mediterranean. Its surface distribution does not uniformly cover the equatorial belt; oceanic occurrence does not imply permanent coastal presence.

  • Documented presence : Atlantic Ocean
  • Documented presence : Indian Ocean
  • Documented presence : Pacific Ocean
  • Documented presence : Mediterranean Sea

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

A streamlined body, dark blue back, pale belly, pectoral fins extending well beyond the start of the second dorsal fin and white rear tail margin. English “albacore” means this species; French “thon albacore” means Thunnus albacares.

Habitat

Open ocean in temperate and tropical regions, including the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Juveniles use warmer surface waters; adults may occupy cooler, deeper water.

Diet

Pelagic fish, squid and crustaceans.

Behaviour

A long-distance migrant travelling in schools often composed of similarly sized fish. Other tuna species may join these schools: check each fish.

Indicative biological size

50–80 cm fork length, the common size in the FAO guide; this is neither total length nor a catch rule.

Fishing context and precautions

This proposal concerns only an Atlantic area where the rules in force have been checked. It must not be used in French Mediterranean waters, where recreational albacore fishing is subject to the moratorium, including catch and release.

1. Have the applicable rules and offshore preparations checked before departure; do not go without a suitable boat, crew and weather.

2. With an experienced angler, choose a trolling lure compatible with the tackle and a manageable line arrangement.

3. Adjust the boat’s movement so the lure works steadily, while watching navigation, birds and other users. This sequence adapts documented practices, without a universal speed.

4. On a strike, organise the other lines and landing without allowing line around your hands. Check the species before any retention decision; the old Irish account is not current permission.

A distinctive feature

The rear margin of its tail fin is white.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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