Mahi-mahi
A fast-growing, colorful surface-dwelling fish found worldwide.
The mahi-mahi (MAH-hee-MAH-hee), also known as the common dolphinfish, dolphinfish, dolphin, or dorado (Coryphaena hippurus), is a surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in offshore temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide. It is one of two members of the family Coryphaenidae, the other being the pompano dolphinfish. The name mahi-mahi comes from the Hawaiian language and means 'very strong', through the process of reduplication. Despite being called dolphinfish, they are not related to dolphins; the name was given to avoid confusion with the aquatic mammal also called dolphin. In parts of the Pacific and along the English-speaking coast of South Africa, it is commonly referred to by its Spanish name, dorado.
- Scientific name
- Coryphaena hippurus
- Family
- Coryphaenidae
- Maximum lifespan
- Up to 5 years, seldom exceeding 4
- Typical catch weight
- 7 to 13 kg (15 to 29 lb)
- Typical length
- About 1 meter (3 ft)
- Maximum speed
- 50 knots (92.6 km/h; 57.5 mph)
- Sexual maturity
- First year, usually by 4–5 months
Lore & Background
Mahi-mahi have compressed bodies and one very long dorsal fin extending from the head almost to the tail fin. Mature males develop a distinctive protruding forehead, a sexually dimorphic feature; females have a rounded head. Their caudal and anal fins are sharply concave. They are distinguished by dazzling colors – golden on the sides, and bright blues and greens on the sides and back. The pectoral fins are iridescent blue, and the flank is broad and golden. Out of the water, the fish often change color, going through several hues before finally fading to a muted yellow-grey upon death, giving rise to their Spanish name dorado, meaning 'golden'.
Reader's Guide
Mahi-mahi are highly sought for sport fishing and commercial purposes due to their beauty, size, food quality, and healthy population. They are found in the Caribbean Sea, the west coast of North and South America, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic coast of Florida and West Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, the South China Sea, Southeast Asia, Hawaii, Tahiti, and many other places worldwide. The United States and Caribbean countries are primary consumers, but European consumption is increasing. In French Polynesia, fishermen use harpoons from a specially designed boat called the poti marara. Depending on how it is caught, mahi-mahi is classed differently by sustainability rating systems; the Monterey Bay Aquarium classifies US Atlantic-caught mahi-mahi as a best choice, but advises avoiding imported longline-caught fish. The Natural Resources Defense Council classifies it as a 'moderate mercury' fish. Mahi-mahi is a common vector for ciguatera poisoning and can cause scombroid food poisoning if improperly stored.
Did You Know?
- The name mahi-mahi comes from Hawaiian and means 'very strong' through reduplication.
- Mahi-mahi can swim as fast as 50 knots (92.6 km/h; 57.5 mph).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mahi-mahi?
Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) is a vividly colored, surface-dwelling ray-finned fish that inhabits warm offshore waters around the entire globe. It is one of only two species in the family Coryphaenidae, the other being the pompano dolphinfish.
What are Mahi-mahi's powers or role?
Mahi-mahi can sprint at roughly 50 knots, making it one of the fastest fish in the ocean. It patrols the upper water column in tropical and subtropical seas, where it chases down smaller fish and crustaceans.
How does Mahi-mahi's story end?
Mahi-mahi live a remarkably short life, rarely surviving past four or five years. Despite that brief window, they grow quickly, typically reaching about one meter in length and 7 to 13 kilograms in weight before their lifespan concludes.
Why is Mahi-mahi important?
As a fast-growing, abundant surface predator, mahi-mahi anchors marine food webs in warm waters and is a top target for both sport anglers and commercial fisheries worldwide. Its popularity as a table fish makes it a significant economic species across many coastal regions.
What does the name Mahi-mahi mean?
The name derives from Hawaiian and translates to 'very strong,' formed by repeating the root word through reduplication. Although people often call it a 'dolphinfish,' the species shares no biological relation with the mammal dolphin.
More in Fish 25-40
Elsewhere in the Fish universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record