| Market Names |
Ono, Wahoo, Pacific Kingfish |
| Where Caught |
Hawai’i, Fiji, Gulf of Mexico, South and mid-Atlantic States |
| How Caught |
Wild captured by longline and troll |
Ono
Ono is also known as Wahoo. Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) is the largest member of the Mackerel family (Scombridae). Ono means "Good to eat" in Hawaiian. It is a salt water fish found in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, especially the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The Wahoo is a fast swimmer able to approach speeds of 50 mph. It also has sharp teeth and strong jaws that enable it to eat other fish and squid. It is a long fish and can weigh 100 pounds. Due to its speed and strength, it is a difficult fish to catch and is hunted by sporting fishermen.
The National Marine Fisheries Services considers the population of Wahoo to have “unknown” status due to lack of studies. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WATCH® considers Wahoo to be a “Good Alternative” because it “grows and matures quickly.”
| Sources | |
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Species NameAcanthocybium solandri |
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SourceWahoo is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Most Wahoo caught in the United States comes from Hawai’i. It is also caught in the Gulf of Mexico and South and mid-Atlantic states. |
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SeasonalityWahoo is most often available during summer and fall. |
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Fishing MethodWahoo are wild-caught, primarily with hook-and-line and longline gear. It can also be caught by troll fisheries. Due to its speed and strength, Wahoo is a prized game fish. There is no domestic aquaculture of Wahoo. |
| Features | |
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FlavorWahoo has a slightly sweet flavor with white, delicate flesh. It is often compared to Albacore Tuna. |
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Dietary InformationWahoo is a good source for protein while being low in fat. Per 3.5oz (100g): |
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AppearanceWahoo have a large mouth and a long snout. With small scales that are steel blue on top and pale blue on the belly with black-blue vertical bars, it is a long fish, often reaching 40-65 inches. Its flesh is white, flakey, and has a delicate texture; especially in comparison to the meat of other fast-swimming, pelagic species. |
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FormFresh Wahoo in most typically shipped headless and dressed. Primary processors and distributor / processors will cut into skin-on and skinless fillets and fillet portions. Frozen Wahoo is available headed and gutted and as skin-on fillets. |
| Uses | |
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PreparationWahoo can be broiled, baked, smoked, steamed, sautéed, poached and is excellent on the grill. |
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SubstitutionMahi Mahi is the best substitute for Wahoo. Its flavor and texture is very similar but the flesh is notably much whiter. Grilling or broiling recipes can be substituted for Mackerel. Similarly, it is also often used as a substitute for Mahi Mahi. |
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HandlingFresh Wahoo should be refrigerated at 30-34 degrees F. Whole fish should be surrounded with fresh ice in a perforated pan which allows any water to drain away from the product for maximum shelf life. Never directly ice a Wahoo fillet, steak or portion. Filleted product should be stored in a sealed plastic container and surrounded with ice. |
| Market | |
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Sizes and CutsWhile Wahoo can grow over 100 pounds, it is often harvested between eight and 30 pounds. Wahoo is available headed and gutted “H&G” and as skin-on and skinless fillets and fillet portions. |
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Pricing ScaleWahoo can fluctuate between the seasons due to limited supply. This moderately price delightful tasting fish has remained very stable in price over the past several years. Due to market and currency fluctuations, please contact your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate for up-to-date market information, availability and current pricing information. |
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Shelf LifeFresh whole Wahoo which has been handled and stored properly should retain optimum quality for 4-5 days. Once the fish is filleted or loined product should be used within 2-3 days. Frozen can be commercially stored for up to one year. |