Mahi-mahi

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Mahi-Mahi

Mahi Mahi caught off the coast of Pompano Beach, Florida.

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Coryphaenidae
Genus:	Coryphaena
Species:	C. hippurus

Binomial name

Coryphaena hippurus
Linnaeus, 1758

The Mahi-mahi, Coryphaena hippurus, also known as dolphin-fish, dolphin, dorado are surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in off-shore tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They are one of only two members of the Coryphaenidae family, the other being the Pompano dolphinfish. The name "mahi-mahi" ("strong-strong" in Hawaiian), particularly on restaurant menus, has been adopted in recent years to avoid confusing these fish with dolphins, which are mammals. They are also commonly known as maverikos.

Mahi-mahi have a lifespan of no more than three to four years. Sport catches average 7 to 13 kg (15 to 28 pounds). They seldom exceed 15 kg (33 pounds), and any Mahi-mahi over 18 kg (39 pounds) is exceptional. Mahi-mahi have compressed bodies and long dorsal fins extending almost the entire length of their bodies. Their anal fins are sharply concave. They are distinguished by dazzling colors: golden on the sides, bright blues and greens on the sides and back. Mature males also have prominent foreheads protruding well above the body proper. When they are removed from the water, the fish often change between several colors, finally fading to a muted yellow-grey upon death.

Mahi-mahi are carnivorous, feeding on flying fish, crabs, squid, mackerel, and other small fish. They have also been known to eat zooplankton and crustaceans.

Mahi Mahi caught in the Florida Keys

Mahi-mahi are highly sought game fish throughout their range because of their beauty and fighting ability. Their flesh is notable for its flavor and firm texture. Mahi-mahi have become popular restaurant fare in many areas, sometimes eaten as a substitute for swordfish because, having scales, they are considered kosher, as well as halal by Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Costa Rica, Ecuador, Japan, and the United States are the primary countries capturing and exporting Mahi-mahi (30,000 to 40,000 tons are harvested annually worldwide), and Europe, Japan, the United States, and the Caribbean region are the primary consumers.

One of the fastest-growing fish, Mahi-mahi are fast swimmers as well, with a top swimming speed of 50 knots. Mahi-mahi spawn in warm ocean currents throughout much of the year; and its young are commonly found in sargassum weed.

Mahi-mahi play a major role in the novel Life of Pi (they are called dorados).