Wahoo
📖 Overview
An oceanic, epipelagic species frequently solitary or forming small loose aggregations rather than compact schools. Feed on fishes and squids. Eggs and larvae are pelagic . An important sport fish in some areas . Marketed fresh, salted or spice-cured slices of meat; also frozen . Flesh of very good quality . Minimum depth from Ref. 005227.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 23 - 27; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 16; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14; Vertebrae: 62 - 64. Mouth large with strong, triangular, compressed and finely serrate teeth. Snout about as long as the rest of head. Posterior part of maxilla completely concealed under preorbital bone. Gill rakers absent. Interpelvic process small and bifid. Swim bladder present. Body covered with small scales. No anterior corselet developed. The back is iridescent bluish green; the sides silvery with 24 to 30 cobalt blue vertical bars which extend to below the lateral line.: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Wahoo is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawning seems to extend over a long period; fish in different maturity stages are frequently caught at the same time.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-oceanic; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 20 m , usually 0 - 12 m . Subtropical; 59°N - 48°S, 180°W - 180°E Pacific Oceans: in tropical and subtropical waters, including the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas.
🌿 Ecology
fishes and squids
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- heavy 30-80 lb class trolling rod
- conventional reel
- 80-130 lb wind-on leader
- temperature breaks
- floating debris
- current edges
- offshore seamounts
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ International management (ICCAT, WCPFC). Strict quotas and size limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Wahoo is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 183 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Wahoo has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (oily fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🏆 World Records
| Record Type | Value | Angler | Location | Date | Line Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 83.46 kg | Sara Hayward | Cabo San Lucas, Mexico | 29 Jul 2005 | ALL |
Source: IGFA All-Tackle World Records database
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? solanderi | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Acanthocybium forbesi | Seale | 1912 | Synonym |
| Acanthocybium petus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Acanthocybium sara | Lay & Bennett | 1839 | Synonym |
| Acanthocybium solanderi | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Acanthocybrium solandri | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Acanthoscybium solanderi | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Acantocybium solandri | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Cybium petus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Cybium sara | Lay & Bennett | 1839 | Synonym |
| Cybium solandri | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Cybium verany | Döderlein | 1872 | Synonym |
| Jordanidia solandri | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Scomber amarui | Curtiss | 1938 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 39 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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