Common names
Mahi-Mahi, Dolphin, Dorado
Dolphinfish
Coryphaena hippurus
- Saltwater
- Least concern
Max length82.75 in
Common length39.25 in
Length typeFork Length
Max weight88 lb 3 oz
Depth range0 - 279 ft
Max age4 years
Water typeSaltwater
Water temperature64 - 84 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Dolphinfish or mahi-mahi have long compressed bodies with bright greenish, turquoise, and blue patterns on their backs, which fade almost immediately upon death and yellow-coloured sides. Its body tapers sharply from head to tail and has irregular blue or golden blotches scattered over the sides. They have a single dark dorsal fin extending from head to tail. Their caudal fins and anal fins are sharply concave. The pectoral fins of the mahi-mahi are iridescent blue. They're capable of flashing purple, chartreuse and a wide range of other colours. The profile of the head of adult males is nearly vertical, on the other hand, the profile of the head of females is more sloping.
Habitat
Offshore in warm waters. Juveniles live in floating sargassum weed.
Distribution
The dolphinfish is distributed in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It is abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Current, and throughout the Caribbean.
Behaviour
Spawn in warm oceanic currents throughout the year and they don't raise their young (mahi-mahi are among the fastest-growing fish). Diet includes small pelagic fish, juvenile tuna, invertebrates, billfish, jacks, pompano, squid, flying fish and pelagic larvae of nearshore, bottom-living species. They're extremely fast swimmers. When a schooling dolphin is hooked, the rest of the school will often stay nearby.
Edibility
Excellent. They have firm, flavoursome flesh that make excellent steaks for grilling or BBQ’ing. The meat is also suitable for curries, keeping its shape well and holding up to strong flavours.
Lure suggestion
Troll natural baits such as ballyhoo rigged on #7 or #8 steel wire with a 7/0 or 8/0 hook. They can also be caught on artificial lures, feathers, or spoons. Chumming cut bait will bring them in and create a frenzy of activity. Good baits: ballyhoo (works best), pilchards, fish strips, squid.
Similar species
Other similar species
Pompano dolphinfish, C. equiselis (has square-shaped tooth patch on tongue, Dolphinfish have an oval-shaped tooth patch on tongue)