These 7 Types of Tuna Are Among the Most Valuable Fish on Earth

Quick Take

• The tuna sitting in your pantry right now probably isn't what you think it is, and the label tells you less than you'd expect. See the most canned species →
• One species is prized as a budget-friendly way to eat premium, fatty tuna, yet most shoppers walk right past it. Discover the budget premium option →
• Not all tuna can be cooked. One variety's fat content makes heat entirely the wrong choice. See why heat is wrong here →
• The price gap between the cheapest and most expensive tuna on this list is so wide it might change how you shop for fish forever. See the most expensive end →

Tuna is often eaten as a healthy alternative to red meat. In fact, the meat of some bluefin tuna is often compared to compared to premium Wagyu beef. There are more than a dozen species of tuna that belong to the mackerel family (Scombridae). However, seven of these tuna species are among the most commercially important fish in the world. Read on to find out why.

1. Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis)

Skipjack tuna is the most commonly found species in canned tuna. In the U.S. alone, skipjack tuna makes up at least 60% of canned tuna. They are the smallest tuna species fished commercially and the most populous of all tuna species. When a can of tuna has “chunk light” on the label, there’s a good chance it’s skipjack tuna. It is a darker meat with a flaky texture and a more savory, pronounced fishy flavor. These migratory tuna occur in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They average around 32 inches in length and generally weigh 7-22 pounds, although some may grow larger. Skipjack tuna generally ranges from $3 to $10 per pound.

2. Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga)

Albacore tuna is another popular choice for canned tuna. Labeled as “white meat tuna,” it comes in chunks or filets and tends to be more expensive than skipjack at around $9 to $15 per pound. This tuna has a milder flavor and firmer texture, making it more versatile in cooking. These migratory fish are found in tropical and temperate waters in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They generally weigh up to 80 pounds and measure about 47 inches long, although some individuals may grow larger.

3. Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

One of the most versatile types of tuna is Yellowfin. Its meat is pale pink and it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a firm texture. It is less fishy-tasting and is much leaner than species such as bluefin, bigeye, albacore, and others. While yellowfin is available in cans, it is more commonly purchased as steaks and is a popular option for sushi. These migratory fish can be found close to the surface of tropical and subtropical waters all over the world, except the Mediterranean Sea. On average, these tunas are caught at weights between 25 to 60 pounds, but they can reach over 400 pounds and measure 6 feet long. Yellowfin tuna sells for around $15 to $26 per pound.

4. Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus)

Bigeye tuna has firm, reddish-pink meat with large flakes. It is a good option for people seeking fattier meat with a mild, sweet flavor at a reasonable price. These migratory fish are found in the tropical and warm temperate parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Catches are frequently in the 100 to 200 pound range, but they can reach over 400 pounds. They typically measure from 5 to 6 feet. Bigeye tuna generally sells for $28 to $45 per pound.

5. Pacific Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus orientalis)

Pacific bluefin are migratory fish that travel throughout the Pacific Ocean. They tend to favor more temperate waters, but they can also be found in the tropics and in the cooler waters of coastal regions. Bluefin tuna has a high fat and oil content, so it is almost exclusively eaten raw. The meat is dark red with marbling, and it has a rich, buttery flavor. Pacific bluefin tuna generally reach around 5 feet long and weigh about 130 pounds, but they can reach nearly 10 feet in length and weigh up to 990 pounds. Costs typically range from $35 to $50 per pound, but premium cuts can exceed $200 per pound.

7. Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)

Like its Pacific bluefin counterpart, the Southern bluefin tuna is highly sought-after for its meat. It has firm, tender, marbled dark red flesh that is savory with some sweetness. These fish are usually eaten raw or grilled. They occur in the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere, including the southwestern Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, and the southwestern Pacific. They weigh around 440 pounds and measure 7.4 feet in length, but some individuals can grow larger. Prices generally range from $40 to $200 per pound depending on the cut.

8. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

The Atlantic bluefin tuna typically grows to around 6.5 feet in length and weighs around 550 pounds. However, they can reach up to 13 feet and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Atlantic bluefin tuna are highly migratory fish. They are widely distributed throughout the Atlantic and favor the open ocean. These fish have a rich, buttery flavor that is savory with a bit of sweetness. The meat is dark red and firm, heavily marbled with fat. Costs generally range from $50 to $150 per pound for sushi-quality Atlantic bluefin, but prices can top $200 per pound depending on the cut.