Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-mahi, also widely known as dolphinfish or dorado, is a fast-swimming pelagic fish in the small family Coryphaenidae found in tropical and subtropical open ocean waters worldwide. Despite the common name 'dolphinfish,' it is unrelated to marine mammal dolphins. The species is notable for its extremely rapid growth, reaching sexual maturity within its first year of life, and for its vivid iridescent coloration, which fades quickly after death. Mahi-mahi are highly migratory and closely associated with floating objects such as sargassum mats and drifting debris, which concentrate the small prey fish they feed on, and the species is a prized target of offshore recreational sport fishing.

Mahi-mahi are identified by their coloration, fin shape, and distinctive head profile.

• Body: elongated, laterally compressed, 1-2 m typical adult length
• Color: iridescent blue-green back fading to golden-yellow sides with scattered blue-green spots (fades rapidly after death)
• Dorsal fin: single, long, running almost the entire length of the body
• Tail: deeply forked
• Head shape: males ('bulls') have a squared, blunt forehead crest; females ('cows') have a more rounded head profile

Look-alike: the pompano dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis) is smaller and distinguished by dorsal fin ray counts.

Mahi-mahi are pelagic fish of the open ocean, typically found near the surface in warm tropical and subtropical waters between about 21-30°C, and are rarely encountered close to shore except where deep water approaches the coast. They are strongly associated with floating structure, including sargassum weedlines, drifting debris, and buoys, which attract the small fish and invertebrates that make up their prey. The species has a nearly worldwide distribution in warm ocean waters, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and undertakes seasonal movements tracking warm currents and prey availability.

Mahi-mahi are fast, highly migratory swimmers known for aerial jumps when hooked or pursuing prey, feeding on flying fish, squid, and crustaceans near the surface. They grow exceptionally quickly, often reaching full maturity and spawning within their first year, but have correspondingly short lifespans of around four to five years. Juveniles commonly form loose schools for protection near floating debris, while larger adults may be more solitary or travel in small groups. The species is a prolific spawner, capable of releasing eggs multiple times per year in warm open water, which supports its fast population turnover. Their speed and acrobatic behavior make them a popular target for offshore recreational anglers.