Mahi mahi

Mahi Mahi

The Mahi Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as the dolphinfish or dorado, is a surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in off-shore temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide.

Description

Mahi Mahi are distinguished by their dazzling colors: golden on the sides, and bright blues and greens on the sides and back. Mature males have prominent foreheads protruding well above the body proper. Females have a rounded head. Their bodies are slender and long, making them fast swimmers; they can reach speeds of up to 57.5 km/h (35.8 mph).

Habitat and Distribution

Mahi Mahi are found around the world in all tropical and subtropical oceans. Around the Pacific Ocean, they are found from the coast of Washington to Peru, including Hawaii. They are also found in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Oman, Australia, and South Africa. In the Atlantic Ocean, they are found from the coast of Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Diet

Mahi Mahi feed on forage fish, such as mackerel and squid, and also on crustaceans and zooplankton.

Commercial Fishing

Mahi Mahi are highly sought for sport fishing and commercial purposes. Sport fishermen seek the mahi mahi due to its beauty, size, food quality, and healthy population. Mahi Mahi are also commercially fished by longline methods, and are often used in cuisine.

In Cuisine

Mahi Mahi is a versatile fish, and it can be grilled, pan-fried, skewered, and used in a variety of dishes. It has a firm texture and a mild to sweet flavor, making it very popular in many cuisines around the world.

Conservation Status

The mahi mahi is not listed as endangered or vulnerable with the World Conservation Union. However, they are dependent on the temperature of the water, with the females spawning in warm ocean currents.

See Also

• List of fish
• Commercial fishing
• Cuisine