LIGHT TUNA
Thunnus albacares ( Bonnaterre, 1788)

The cans of light tuna are produced using the Yellowfin variety (Thunnus albacares), which can reach up to 2 metres in length and weighs up to 200 kg. It has a large, scaly body that tapers off towards the tail. The fish’s unusual Yellow Fins distinguish it from other species of the same family.

This migratory fish is captured by large boats in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is frozen on board to retain its quality until it reaches the plant, where it is processed and canned.

Its highly appreciated meat is firm and pink, and fish over 10 kg are preferred as they are the perfect raw material for canning.


TUNA
Euthynnus pelamis (Linné 1758)

Also known as Skipjack Tuna. It can be distinguished from the other species by the presence in the belly area of 4 or 6 very visible stripes that run lengthways from the belly and the sides to the tail. It has a dark blue back with hints of purple, and its belly and lower side areas are silver-coloured.

It has very short pectoral and ventral fins which are separated by a small gap at the base. It has small cone-shaped teeth. It is generally between 40 and 70 cm in length, although some examples can reach up to 1m.

It is a typically oceanic species, present in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide and is very characteristic of the tropical areas of the Atlantic. Skipjack tuna catches represent 50% of the tuna varieties worldwide, it is also the most common species to be caught in the Pacific Ocean as regards weight.

Tuna is one of the most complete foods available, because it is an excellent source of protein, with a high biological value, vitamins, particularly vitamin D, which is needed for calcium absorption, minerals like iodine and magnesium, as well as omega 3 fatty acids.