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Exploring the beautiful nature of California


Marine Fish: Wahoo


Fishes are aquatic vertebrates that have fins, gills and scales. Gills are the part of the respiratory system that provide surface area for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide under water.

Fish are ectotherms, commonly referred to as 'cold-blooded', meaning their temperature is regulated by the temperature of their environment. They have a range of diets, being herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores. Some fish reproduce by laying eggs, while others reproduce by bearing live young.

California fish species reside in freshwater and coastal/marine waters. Coastal, or marine fish are an abundant and valuable resource. However, the ocean's supply is not limitless, and therefore careful planning and education must be undertaken to ensure the sustainability of the world's largest food source.
wahoo can be bright and beautiful fish The Wahoo is characterized by its very elongated, tuna-like body, blue-green on the top and silver on the sides, with a very short snout, a massive set of teeth, and a very elongated continuous dorsal fin. The Wahoo also has 24 to 30 distinguishing blue bars, some of which are double Y-shaped, on its sides. There are 8 to 9 finlets between the dorsal fin and the caudal fin and 9 finlets between the anal fin and the caudal fin.

The Wahoo, known for its horrific long runs, is not easily confused with other species, but smaller versions are similar in size and shape with the Gulf Sierra,  the Pacific Sierra, and possibly the Black Snake Mackerel.

Wahoo tend to be solitary or occur in loose-knit groups of two or three fish, but where conditions are suitable can be found in schools as large as 100 or more. Their diet is made up of other fish and squid. Most wahoo taken have a trematode parasite (Hirudinella ventricosa) living in their stomach. It appears to do no harm to the fish.
In most parts of its range, the wahoo is a highly prized sport fishing catch. It reaches a good size, is often available not too far from land, and is a very good fighter on light to medium tackle. It is known in sports fishing circles for the speed and strength of its first run. The aggressive habits and razor-sharp teeth of the wahoo can however be of considerable annoyance when targeting larger gamefish, as when tuna or Marlin fishing.

Although local wahoo populations can be affected by heavy commercial and sports fishing pressure, wahoo as a species are less susceptible to industrial commercial fishing than more tightly schooling and abundant species such as tuna. Wahoo are regularly taken as a by-catch in various commercial fisheries, including longline fisheries for tuna, billfish and dolphinfish,  but the species as a whole is not considered overfished.
wahoo are long thin fish iff the coast of California The flesh of the wahoo is white, delicate, and highly regarded by many gourmets; indeed the Hawaiian name for the fish, Ono, is also the Hawaiian word for "tasty" or "delicious". This has created some demand for the wahoo as a premium priced commercial food fish. In many areas of its range, such as Hawaii, Bermuda and many parts of the Caribbean, local demand for wahoo is met by artisanal commercial fishermen, who take them primarily by trolling, as well as by recreational sports fishermen who sell their catch.

The mouth of the wahoo is large, and both the upper and lower jaws have a somewhat sharper appearance than those of king or Spanish mackerel. Specimens have been recorded at up to 8 feet in length, and weighing up to 180 pounds. Growth can be rapid. One specimen tagged at 11 pounds grew to 33 pounds in one year. Wahoo can swim up to 50 mph. They are one of the fastest fish in the sea.
 
 
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