Consumption of this species is considered unsustainable, as the high level of heavy metals that bioaccumulate in this species exceeds the international regulation. Due to ineffective legislation that does not take into account the species biology, the legal size of this fish is substantially lower than the sustainable size. This makes it particularly important to respect the sustainable size shown. Globally it is declining; however the status of stocks in the Mediterranean is unknown.

Can accumulate dangerously high levels of mercury and cadmium in the flesh, higher than safe levels set by international regulations, therefore should particularly be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems.

Anterior spines much higher than posterior spines giving the fin a strongly concave outline. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Body with very small scales. Pectoral fins remarkably long, about 30% of fork length or longer in 50 cm or longer fish. Ventral surface of liver striated and the central lobe is largest. Torpedo-shaped body and a metallic blue-black dorsal side that transitions to silvery white below. Looks like: Thunnus albacares (yellowfin tuna ): similar torpedo shape and are both highly migratory. However, they also have distinct differences in fin coloration and size, with albacore having notably long pectoral fins and yellowfin having a distinct yellow dorsal and anal fin.

Albacore has a very high metabolism and consumes up to 25% of its body weight in food per day!