Ciguatera in Hawaiʻi
What Spearfishers Need to Know
The reason we never eat roi, species by species
What is ciguatera? Ciguatera is a foodborne illness caused by natural toxins that build up in reef fish. Microscopic organisms on the reef produce the toxin; small fish eat them, bigger predators eat the small fish, and the toxin concentrates up the food chain. It has no taste or smell, is not destroyed by cooking or freezing, and there is no reliable way to test a fish in the field. Risk is highest in large, older, predatory reef fish.
Why we never eat roi
Roi (peacock grouper) were introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 1950s as a food fish. The plan backfired, partly because roi became one of the species most associated with ciguatera cases in Hawaiʻi. At Top Shot Spearfishing, roi is the one fish we hunt but never eat: every roi we remove protects the reef, and every one is processed into organic fertilizer through our Reef-to-Root program instead of reaching a plate.
Risk by species
| Species | Risk | Our practice |
|---|---|---|
| Roi Peacock Grouper |
HIGH | We never eat roi. Removal only, processed into fertilizer. |
| To‘au Blacktail Snapper |
LOW | |
| Ta'ape Bluestripe Snapper |
LOW | |
| Uku Gray Snapper / Green Jobfish |
LOW | |
| Hagi Black Durgon |
LOW | |
| Na'ena'e Orangeband Surgeonfish |
LOW | |
| Umaumalei Orangespine Unicornfish |
LOW | |
| Uhu Parrotfish |
LOW | |
| Kumu Whitesaddle Goatfish |
LOW | |
| 'Ōmilu Bluefin Trevally |
LOW | |
| Ulua Giant Trevally |
MEDIUM | |
| Kahala Amberjack / Yellowtail |
HIGH | Avoid large individuals (20 lbs+); risk rises with size and age. |
| 'Ono Wahoo |
LOW | |
| Mahi-Mahi Dolphinfish |
LOW |
If you suspect ciguatera poisoning (numbness, tingling, hot/cold reversal, nausea after eating reef fish): seek medical care and call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Risk levels above reflect guide experience and published Hawaiʻi health guidance. They are not a guarantee for any individual fish. Consult the Hawaiʻi Department of Health for current advisories.