348 Albacore, Spanish Mackerel 



The Yellowfin Tuna occurs in the offshore tropical waters 

 of the Atlantic Ocean. It is uncommon from Virginia 

 north but has recently been caught in the Gulf Stream 

 track far off the coast of Massachusetts. 



Albacore 

 Thunnus alalunga (Gmelin) 



The Albacore is found in all warm seas. In the western 

 Atlantic it is rare north of Florida. 



Spanish Mackerel 

 Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitchill) 



Color: Dark blue above; silvery below. Sides have oval 

 orange or yellow spots irregularly arranged both above 

 and below lateral line. Front part of first dorsal fin black. 

 Distribution: Occurs on both coasts of North America. In 

 the western Atlantic it is found from Brazil to Maine. It is 

 common north of Chesapeake Bay but most abundant off 

 our southern states. 



Size: Reaches a length of 3 feet and a weight of 10 pounds. 

 General Information: This species appears in schools in 

 the Middle Atlantic region in spring and autumn. It was 

 formerly very common in this area but in recent years 

 has been relatively scarce. Spawning occurs in spring and 

 summer. The eggs are buoyant. The Spanish Mackerel 

 feeds mostly on fish. 



