'alalunga' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'alalunga', where 'ala' meant 'wing' and 'lunga' meant 'long'.

'alalunga' has remained largely unchanged from its Italian origins, directly referring to the long pectoral fins of the fish.

Initially, it referred specifically to the long pectoral fins of the fish, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.