Bluefin tuna

Bluefin tuna is also known as bluefin tuna or bighead tuna. It is a bony fish, of the family Scombridae. Bluefin tuna is a type of bluefish, in fact the largest of this variety. It is distributed throughout the Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.

It should be differentiated from the albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga). This family includes other similar species, such as mackerel or bonito. These fish live in large schools and represent an important source of human food.

It regulates its temperature between 18º and 25º C. In almost all cases, they have a longevity greater than 25 years. Their reproductive season lasts about 50 days and they lay approximately 45,000,000 eggs, most of which are destroyed by predators.

It differs from the rest of the tunas in that its pectoral fin is the shortest, as opposed to the other most famous tuna in Spain, the albacore tuna or white tuna.

Bluefin tuna properties

• High Quality Protein: Bluefin tuna is an excellent source of high quality protein, essential for growth, tissue repair and muscle function.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Contains omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, which are beneficial for cardiovascular and brain health.
• Vitamins: Provides essential vitamins such as B12, which is crucial for the formation of red blood cells and the health of the nervous system.
• Minerals: Rich in minerals such as selenium, which acts as an antioxidant and is essential for thyroid function.
• Lean Protein: It is a lean source of protein, which means it provides essential nutrients without a significant amount of saturated fat.
• Vitamin D: Contributes to bone health and immune system function.

Main features

Are bluefin tuna in danger of extinction?

Yes, since the 1970s, the number of bluefin tuna(Thunnus thynnus), also called bluefin tuna, in the European Atlantic has been reduced by 90% and in the Mediterranean by 50%. In fact, by the year 2020, it was estimated that there were 22,705 tons of bluefin tuna left in the world.

Bluefin tuna is in danger of extinction, but why?

Overfishing and aquaculture

These are two causes that have led to the endangerment of bluefin tuna. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reported that overfishing has intensified in order to catch young fish to fatten in hatcheries to be marketed.

Exports to Japan

In Japan, a quarter of the world’s consumption is consumed. Countries all over the world export large quantities of this tuna species to Japan. Bluefin tuna is so highly valued in this country that in 2009, 137,000 euros were paid for a specimen of this tuna species weighing 202 kilograms.

Construction of offshore wind farms

Invading the space of the bluefin tuna is a great threat that endangers the continuity of this species. With the construction of offshore wind farms in recent years , the habitat of the bluefin tuna has been greatly altered, which means that the tuna’s cycle is being modified.

Bluefin tuna price

The price of bluefin tuna fish is very variable, especially depending on the season and the country where we are. For example, during the annual Japanese auction in 2019, a 278-kilogram piece of delicious bluefin tuna fetched 2.7 million euros, making it the most expensive tuna in the world. This is because it is the first tuna of the season and because it is Japan (the world’s largest tuna consumer).

Here you can see all our tuna and their prices.