Food Manager Practice Exam

Which species of fish is typically involved with ciguatera poisoning?

1. Cod

2. Grouper

3. Salmon

4. Tilapia

The correct answer is: Grouper

Ciguatera poisoning is primarily associated with fish that inhabit tropical and subtropical waters, particularly those that are reef-associated. The species of fish most commonly involved with ciguatera poisoning is grouper. This occurs because these larger predatory fish consume smaller fish that have fed on toxic algae, specifically dinoflagellates that produce ciguatoxins. When humans consume contaminated fish like grouper, they can experience ciguatera poisoning, resulting in various gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. In contrast, cod, salmon, and tilapia are not commonly linked to ciguatera poisoning. Cod and salmon are typically found in colder waters and do not inhabit the same reef environments where ciguatera toxins are prevalent. Tilapia is a freshwater fish and likewise does not encounter the marine toxins associated with ciguatera. Thus, groper is the species most commonly connected to this specific type of foodborne illness.