If you own a restaurant, make sushi, work for a supermarket chain, or even just sell seafood, you know that bluefin tuna is the Rolls-Royce of seafood. seafood.
When you find a place that sells bluefin tuna in bulk, you should find out how reliable the quality and supply of this expensive fish will be. In addition, you may also need to know important things like the minimum order required when purchasing. The other thing to keep in mind is how traceable your bluefin is. Is it coming from reliable sources? Is it sustainably caught and raised?.
With their metallic blue-black skin and imposing size, majestic bluefin tuna inspire awe in any beholder. Reaching over 10 feet long and weighing up to 1500 pounds, these giant fish are the superstars of the tuna world. No wonder a single bluefin can command exorbitant prices at market especially once they hit the 500 lb mark. But just what is the going rate for a tuna titan? Let’s dive in and find out.
Bluefin Tuna Basics
There are three species of bluefin tuna:
- Atlantic bluefin
- Pacific bluefin
- Southern bluefin
The Atlantic and Pacific varieties are most highly prized for sashimi and sushi, reaching over 1,000 lbs. Southern bluefin are smaller at up to 500 lbs
No matter the species bluefin are tremendous swimmers capable of hitting speeds over 40 mph. Their streamlined torpedo shape helps them stalk prey like mackerel herring, and squid.
Dense muscles and an efficient circulatory system allow them to maintain body temperature higher than the surrounding water. This enables swift migrations across oceans.
Why So Valuable?
Many factors make bluefin one of the most coveted and expensive fish in the sea:
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Exquisite fat marbling – Evenly distributed fat gives the meat a velvety texture and rich flavor.
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Prized for sushi/sashimi – The raw meat’s texture and mouthfeel are unparalleled.
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Global scarcity – Stocks are low worldwide due to overfishing. Atlantic bluefin tuna are classified as endangered.
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Longline fishing difficulty – Landing a giant bluefin unharmed requires skill and care.
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Cultural prestige – Bluefin is a status symbol at high-end sushi bars and markets.
This combination of taste and scarcity creates incredible demand that fuels sky-high market prices.
Auction Prices for 500 lb Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna are often sold via auction at ports in Japan, Spain, and other destinations. The first bluefin auction of the year garners special international attention.
At the 2019 New Year auction in Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji fish market, a 612 lb Pacific bluefin sold for a record $3.1 million! The tuna was purchased by Kiyoshi Kimura, owner of a popular sushi chain.
While this was an extreme case, it’s not unusual for 500+ lb tuna to go for $50,000 to $100,000+ at high-profile auctions. Top grade tuna over 600 lbs have commanded prices up to $200,000.
But auction prices are also highly variable and depend on factors like tuna fat content, freshness, and market demand fluctuations.
Average Price Per Pound
For the average seafood buyer, a 500 lb bluefin will cost much less than the astronomical auction prices. Depending on quality grade and location, expect to pay:
- Japan: $20-$40+ per lb
- European Union: $10-$25+ per lb
- United States: $8-$15 per lb
So a 500 lb tuna would retail for around $4,000-$7,500 in Japan, $5,000-$12,500 in the EU, and $4,000-$7,500 in the U.S.
The highest grade sashimi tuna can approach $40+ per pound even in the U.S. Certain specialty suppliers or high-end restaurants may charge even more.
Different Cuts, Different Values
A whole tuna is broken down into cuts similar to beef. Prices vary significantly by cut:
- Lean akami meat for sashimi: $30-$60+ per lb
- Fatty otoro belly for sushi: $60-$100+ per lb
- Collar, tails, fins: $5-$15 per lb
The most prized fatty portions can sell for 10 times more per pound than scrap pieces.
Finding 500 lb Bluefin For Sale
Landing a bluefin tuna this size requires a commercial operation with expertise, big boats, and legal quotas. The average angler has little chance.
For buyers, options include:
- Wholesale fish markets like Tsukiji or ports in Spain and Italy
- High-end sushi restaurants with buyer connections
- Specialty distributors that supply fine restaurants
The tuna will likely be butchered and sold in smaller cuts rather than as a whole fish.
Saving This Prized Fish
In some parts of the world, bluefin populations are starting to rebound thanks to stricter fishing regulations and quotas. But there are still many threats to their future.
While large bluefin tuna continue to command staggering prices, awareness and appreciation of their fragile status is also growing. Many chefs and promoters of sustainable seafood encourage selecting other tuna species or ocean-friendly alternatives.
Careful stewardship of these magnificent fish is crucial so future generations can also marvel at monster bluefin tuna crossing the oceans.
Transparent Supply-Chain Traceability From Ocean to Table
When it comes to traceability, it’s essential to know where your Bluefin tuna comes from. For the best fish, make sure you know where it came from and can see that it can be tracked clearly.
When you buy from Bluefiná, you can be sure that they know how old the fish is, when it was caught, and where it’s going.
Parts of the Bluefin Tuna
- What you see here is the leaner meat from the sides of the tuna.
- The fatty part of a tuna’s belly is called a toro. There are two types of toros:
- Chutoro: This is the fish’s belly, which is on the side between the Akami and the otoro.
- An otoro is the fattest part of a tuna fish. It is found on the fish’s bottom.
It is important to know that the best otoro comes only from bluefin tuna fish. It will be a soft pink color with bright white lines. Otoro has a rich, creamy texture and taste and melts in your mouth, revealing a delicious umami profile.