AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Acanthocybium solandri
Wahoo
Cuvier, 1832
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Elongated and very fast pelagic fish, with metallic blue coloration on the back and silver vertical bands on the sides.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Scombriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Scombridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Acanthocybium
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cuvier, 1832
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, preferring offshore areas and near reefs.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Solitary fish or moving in pairs, rarely forms large schools.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary; its social behavior is limited compared to other scombrids.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active hunter that uses bursts of speed to ambush its prey.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Voracious predator that hunts fast prey such as flying fish and small tunas.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Seasonal or continuous spawning depending on the region, releasing pelagic eggs.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
60.0 - 250.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2.00 kg - 80.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50000 - 500000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 4
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 6 Years
Females5 - 6 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Extremely hydrodynamic body and strong jaws with sharp teeth, ideal for an ambush predator.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Bycatch in commercial fisheries and high pressure from sport fishing.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is recognized as one of the fastest game fish and highly prized for its intense fight when hooked.