Pompano dolphinfish
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| Coryphaena equiselis Linnaeus, 1758 |
The Pompano dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis) is a species of surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. They are one of only two members of the Coryphaenidae family, the other being the Mahi-mahi or common dolphinfish.
Pompano dolphinfish have a lifespan of 3 to 4 years. They are often mistaken for juvenile mahi-mahi; they are somewhat smaller than their mahi-mahi cousins, never exceeding 127 cm in length. Pompano dolphinfish have compressed heads and long dorsal fins extending the entire length of their bodies. Their backs are a brilliant blue-green, and their sides are a silvery-golden color. Mature males develop a protruding forehead, but not to the same extent as male mahi mahi. When they are removed from the water, the fish fade to a muted green-grey upon death.
Pompano dolphinfish are carnivorous, feeding on small fish and squid.
Pompano dolphinfish are quite popular as a game fish in the waters off South America. and are sometimes eaten as a substitute for swordfish because of their firm texture and sweet flavor.
[edit] References
- Coryphaena equiselis (TSN 168792). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 19 March 2006.
- "Coryphaena equiselis". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. October 2004 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2004.
