AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

Ciguatoxic fish are typically found in which type of fish?

1. Smaller fish like sardines

2. Bigger fish that have ciguatoxin

3. Only freshwater fish

4. Fish bred in aquariums

The correct answer is: Bigger fish that have ciguatoxin

Ciguatoxic fish are primarily found among larger predatory reef fish that accumulate ciguatoxins through their diet. These fish, which include species such as barracuda, groupers, and snapper, feed on smaller fish that have been exposed to the toxins produced by marine microorganisms in certain tropical and subtropical waters. This bioaccumulation process leads to higher concentrations of ciguatoxins in the flesh of larger fish, making them unsafe for consumption. The emphasis on larger fish is crucial because smaller fish typically do not reach the toxin levels that pose a risk to humans. Additionally, ciguatoxins are notably absent in freshwater species, as they primarily arise in marine environments. Fish raised in aquariums do not generally present a risk for ciguatoxin because they are not part of the marine ecosystem where these toxins are produced. Hence, the correct answer focuses on the larger fish that are most significantly affected by ciguatoxin accumulation.