Wahoo is a large, fast-swimming pelagic fish — one of the fastest in the ocean — prized across the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Hawaii. Unlike most Scombridae, its flesh is white, mild, and firm rather than dark and oily, making it accessible to those who avoid mackerel or tuna. In the Caribbean it is called peto in Spanish-speaking islands. In Hawaii it is known as ono, meaning 'delicious' in Hawaiian. It is excellent grilled as steaks, seared, or used in ceviches, and is one of the most sought-after sportfish in tropical waters.
Names by country
| Country | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸United States | Wahooprimary | A prized sportfish and eating fish in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Hawaii (where it is called ono) |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | Wahoo | |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Peto | Called peto along Mexico's Gulf and Caribbean coasts |
| 🇦🇷Argentina | Peto | |
| 🇫🇷France | Thazard-bâtard | |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Peto | |
| 🇵🇹Portugal | Cavala-da-índia | |
| 🇧🇷Brazil | Wahoo |
Culinary substitutes
Both are large Scombridae suited to grilling as steaks — wahoo has white, milder flesh while tuna is dark, richer, and often eaten rare.
Both are fast-swimming tropical pelagic fish prized by sportfishers and suited to grilling and ceviches — wahoo is firmer and more delicate, mahi-mahi is moister and sweeter.
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