Comparing a Bluefin and a Yellowfin Tuna
The 6 main Differences between a Bluefin and a Yellowfin Tuna
The main differences between bluefin and yellowfin tuna are that bluefin is significantly larger, fetch a higher price, and have a smaller global distribution than yellowfin. Both bluefin and yellowfin tuna are top predators in the world’s oceans, but there are some definitive differences between them. Worldwide, there are three recognized bluefin species, and only one recognized yellowfin species. All three bluefin species are highly prized as sport and culinary fish, but the yellowfin is also seeing an increase in both markets as well. These large, powerful fish are easily identifiable and are clear apex predators in any habitat they frequent. Many fish species are at risk of extinction due to severe overfishing, but tuna populations are at an elevated risk. Bluefin is especially at risk due to its low supply and high demand, although this reduction in supply has also affected the yellowfin. Currently, fishing practices regarding tuna are not sustainable in either the bluefin or yellowfin, but the bluefin is the closest to danger. These fish are quite similar, but there are some things that separate them as a species. Let’s learn a bit more about both of these fish.
Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna: Size
Although both tuna are quite large, the bluefin takes the lead when it comes to size. The Atlantic bluefin is the largest of all tuna species. This massive fish has been recorded at 1,500 pounds, rivaling the largest bony fish in the ocean. The only competitors in their class are black and blue marlin and swordfish. Yellowfin tuna are also large fish, just not as large as the Atlantic bluefin. On average, yellowfin tuna doesn’t weigh more than 450 lbs. They are the third smallest group of tuna, behind the bluefin and bigeye tuna.
Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna: Appearance
Bluefins get their name from their distinctly dark blue color, which is visible on their tail and around their dorsal. Additionally, bluefins don’t have a definitive dorsal stripe as yellowfins do, although their fins do occasionally have tinges of yellow. Looking at the pectoral fin, the bluefin is shorter than the yellowfin. Yellowfins get their name from their bright yellow coloring, which can be seen on their fins, tails, and distinct dorsal stripe that goes from head to tail. Additionally, yellowfins have long pectoral fins, especially when compared to bluefins.
Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna: Distribution
The bluefin tuna has three native ranges that it inhabits, all according to the subspecies. The Atlantic bluefin can be in the Atlantic and Mediterranian seas. The Pacific bluefin can be in the northern Pacific Ocean but is believed to migrate to the south during the year. The southern bluefin is across the southern hemisphere of all the waters of the world between the lines 30°S and 50°S. The yellowfin tuna is more widespread than any single bluefin species. They are in tropical and subtropical waters all around the world, including island regions like the Hawaiian Islands and the Caribbean.
Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna: Culinary price point
The bluefin tuna may be the most sought-after commercial fish in the world. It is an extremely expensive fish, with the current record being a 600-lbs bluefin selling for $3 million at a Japanese auction. Japan is the primary consumer, that uses it in sashimi. Generally, Atlantic bluefin goes for upwards of $200 per pound. Yellowfin tuna are also for culinary purposes, although they aren’t as rare or large as bluefin. As a result, they are less expensive. Yellowfin is used for sushi, sashimi, and even steaks. Hawaiian culture refers to these fish as “ahi,” a name that many may be familiar with. Most commercial settings have yellowfin at $8-$15 per pound.
Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna: Conservation status
The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) lists the bluefin as Endangered. While the data may be convoluted, what is certain is that humans aren’t practicing ethical or sustainable fishing, especially when it comes to bluefin. The southern bluefin tuna is the most at risk of all the bluefin tuna. Yellowfin are more numerous and therefore not as high a priority for concern right now. Still, the WWF lists yellowfin as near threatened. These fish are coming under further stress as they are an alternative to bluefin and a higher quality option than many other species that are usually canned (albacore and skipjack).
Bluefin vs Yellowfin Tuna: Recognized species
Bluefin tuna species:
Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis)Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)
Yellowfin tuna species:
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)Also referred to as ahi
