# How Long Do Atlantic Bluefin Tunas Live?

> Atlantic Bluefin Tuna lifespan is typically 35–50 years. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (*Thunnus thynnus*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Carnivore (fish and squid)
- **Habitat:** Open Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
- **Lifespan:** 35–50 years
- **Top speed:** Up to 70 km/h (43 mph)
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/bluefin-tuna/how-long-do-bluefin-tuna-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/bluefin-tuna/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a powerful, warm-blooded fish built for speed, reaching about 3 m (10 ft) long and up to 450 kg (990 lb). It swims across the open Atlantic and Mediterranean at bursts of up to 70 km/h (43 mph), hunting fish and squid. Bluefin are among the longest-lived tuna, surviving 35 to 50 years. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Size and body

The Atlantic bluefin is the largest of all tuna, typically 2 to 3 m (6.5 to 10 ft) long and weighing up to around 450 kg (990 lb). Its torpedo-shaped body is metallic blue above and silvery below, tapering to a stiff, crescent-shaped tail built for thrust. Fins fold into grooves along the body to cut drag, and a row of small finlets runs down the tail to smooth the flow of water. Every part of its shape is tuned for fast, sustained swimming.

## Help protect the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Ocean wildlife is under mounting pressure from overfishing, bycatch and plastic pollution.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/bluefin-tuna/how-long-do-bluefin-tuna-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.