The wahoo is a sleek, predatory fish known for its distinctive iridescent blue-green coloration and sharp teeth. This species is a fast swimmer that can reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Wahoo are generally found alone or in small, loosely connected groups, rather than large schools.
Global Distribution
Wahoo inhabit tropical and subtropical waters across the globe, demonstrating a pelagic distribution. They are found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, including regions like the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. In the Atlantic Ocean, their distribution spans latitudes between approximately 45°N and 45°S.
Their presence extends from Nova Scotia to southern Brazil and Uruguay on the western side of the Atlantic, and to Namibia and South Africa on the eastern side. In the Pacific, wahoo are found between 46°N and 35°S latitude.
Preferred Habitats
Wahoo are primarily oceanic, epipelagic fish, living in the open ocean close to the surface. They typically occupy the upper mixed layer of the ocean, generally above the thermocline. This species prefers water temperatures ranging from approximately 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C), with an ideal range often cited between 73°F and 78°F (23°C to 26°C). Studies show they spend most of their time in waters between 63.5°F and 81.5°F.
These fish are often associated with various offshore structures and features that attract prey. This includes banks, pinnacles, and seamounts, which create areas of upwelling and concentrated baitfish. Wahoo also frequently congregate near floating objects such as sargassum weed lines, kelp paddies, logs, and fish aggregating devices (FADs). These floating structures provide shelter and food for smaller marine life, which in turn draws in predatory wahoo.
Seasonal Movements
Wahoo are highly migratory, and their movements are often influenced by changes in water temperature and the availability of prey. While they maintain a year-round presence in tropical waters, they undertake seasonal migrations to higher latitudes during warmer periods. For instance, in the western Atlantic, wahoo migrate north through the Gulf Stream in the summer and return to tropical waters in the winter. This northward movement in summer can bring them as far north as New Jersey.
Their migratory patterns are also linked to spawning, which occurs year-round in tropical waters and during summer months in higher latitudes, such as Hawaii. Spawning activity in the southeastern United States typically peaks from June to August. Wahoo follow warm oceanic currents, which carry their prey species, allowing them to find new hunting grounds and access abundant food sources throughout the year. A tagged wahoo was recorded traveling 1,700 miles in six and a half months, highlighting their capacity for extensive travel.