Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) – Punta Cana Fishing Charters
Dolphins are not dolphins. Unlike mammals, dolphins have fins. The dolphinfish most likely got its confusing common name when it was previously classified as a genus of dolphins. It also has a melon-shaped head, just like a real dolphin. In modern classification systems, fish belong to the genus Coryphaena.
When a restaurant says “dolphin” on the menu, it refers to dolphin fish, not mammals. Some restaurants use the alternative names mahi-mahi and pompano to avoid confusion.
Fast Facts: Dolphin Fish
- Scientific Name: Coryphaena hippurus (common dolphin fish); Coryphaena equiselis (pompano dolphin fish)
- Other Names: Dolphinfish, dolphin, mahi-mahi, dorado, pompano
- Distinguishing Features: Brilliantly colored fish with single dorsal fin spanning the length of the body; males have protruding foreheads
- Average Size: 1 meter in length and up to 40 kilograms (88 lb) weight
- Diet: Carnivorous
- Life Span: Up to 5 years, but usually less than 2 years
- Habitat: Temperate, subtropical, and tropical oceans worldwide
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Coryphaenidae
- Fun Fact: The dolphin fish is a very fast swimmer, reaching speeds of nearly 60 mph.
Description
There are two types of dolphin fish. The common dolphinfish (also known as mahi-mahi or dorado) is C. a hippie. Other dolphin fish species include C. equiselis, also known as pomfret.
Both species of the genus Coryphaena have a compressed head and a dorsal fin that extends the length of the body. Both the anal and caudal fins are very concave. Mature males (bulls) have a prominent forehead, while females have a rounded head. Mature females are smaller than males. Their slender bodies are perfect for fast swimming. A dolphin swims at a speed of 50 knots (92.6 km/h or 57.5 mph).
Pompano dolphins are sometimes confused with young common dolphins or mahi mahi due to their small size, reaching up to 127 cm (50 in). Pomfret is light blue-green with silver-gold sides. When the fish dies, the color fades to a dull gray-green color. A typical mahi mahi is 1 meter long and weighs 7–13 kg (15–29 lb), with catches exceeding 18 kg (40 lb). These fish have vibrant shades of blue, green and gold. The pectoral fins are iridescent blue, the back is green and blue, and the sides are silvery gold. Some people train red dots. When it comes out of the water, the fish is golden brown (hence the name Dorado). After death, the color changes to yellow-gray.
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