Which types of prey are primary components of the yellowfin tuna diet?

Smaller fish like herring, mackerel, and sardines

As formidable apex predators, yellowfin tuna maintain a broad and opportunistic diet, highly dictated by the local availability of food sources within their upper ocean habitat. The core of their sustenance comes from consuming smaller pelagic fish species. Specific examples frequently cited include herring, mackerel, and sardines, which are actively pursued in the water column. In addition to these fish, their diet also incorporates cephalopods, such as squid, and various crustaceans. The ability to switch effectively between these prey types showcases their adaptability, though their success is intrinsically linked to the overall productivity of the ecosystem supporting these smaller organisms.