WahooAcanthocybium solandri
Category
- Open Ocean
Description
Acanthocybium solandri is an oceanic, scombrid fish which is present in tropical and subtropical waters. It has various common names in different parts of the world, such as Mackerel and Barracuda. It possesses 23-27 dorsal spines;12-16 anal spines; 12–14 anal soft rays and 62–64 vertebrae. It has a large mouth with triangular, compressed serrated teeth and its snout is as long as its head. This species has a swim bladder but no gill rakers. Its body is covered with small scales and its back is of an iridescent blue-green colour while the sides are silvery with 24-30 blue vertical bars[1]. Maximum length recorded for this species is 200cm and maximum gamefish record weight was 83.5 kg.
Sexual maturity is attained quite quickly, within the first year. Females show high fecundity; each can spawn every 2 to 6 days, amounting to about 20-62 times during the spawning season.
[1] ‘Acanthocybium Solandri Summary Page’.
Habitat and ecology
The Wahoo can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian, Atlantic, Pacific oceans and the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas. It is mostly found in subtropical and tropical regions and also off the coast of Canary, Madeira islands and the Azores. It is an oceanic species that can be found alone or in small group rather than compact assembly. The Wahoo feeds on fish, squid and octopus.
Spawning season occurs from May to October in the Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas and Bermuda.
Conservation and management
This species is widespread and is listed under the ‘Least Concern’ category of the IUCN Red list. It is often caught as bycatch, sport fishing or commercially in certain areas.
It can be found in certain MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) but besides that there are limited conservation measures in place for this species. In the US, there are limits to the collecting methods; Only hook and line gear can be used. In the Pacific, there are annual closures for fishing this species.
