The short answer: Adult tuna typically weigh between 30 and 250 kilograms (about 66 to 550 pounds), depending on species, with large bluefin exceeding that range.
Tuna weight by type
Tuna weight varies enormously by species. Here are typical figures.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Skipjack tuna | About 2 to 10 kg (4.4 to 22 lb) |
| Albacore tuna | About 10 to 30 kg (22 to 66 lb) |
| Yellowfin tuna | About 30 to 130 kg (66 to 290 lb) |
| Bigeye tuna | About 60 to 180 kg (132 to 400 lb) |
| Atlantic bluefin tuna | Up to roughly 450 kg (990 lb) or more |
What affects tuna weight
- Species. Bluefin grow far larger than skipjack or albacore.
- Age. Tuna keep growing for years, so older fish are heaviest.
- Diet. Rich feeding grounds produce larger, fatter fish.
- Region and season. Migratory condition affects body weight.
- Sex. In some species the largest individuals tend to be one sex.
How tuna weight compares
A giant Atlantic bluefin at 450 kg weighs about as much as six adult humans, while a small skipjack is closer to a house cat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the heaviest tuna species?
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is the heaviest, with record fish weighing over 450 kilograms (990 pounds).
How much does a yellowfin tuna weigh?
Yellowfin tuna typically weigh about 30 to 130 kilograms, with large individuals reaching over 150 kilograms.
Why do tuna vary so much in weight?
There are several tuna species of very different sizes, and within each species fish keep growing with age, so weights span a wide range.
