Mahi-mahi
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| Mahi-Mahi | ||||||||||||||
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| Missing image Mahi_Mahi.jpg Painting of a male Mahi Mahi, by I.V.Passmoore Painting of a male Mahi Mahi, by I.V.Passmoore | ||||||||||||||
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| Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758 |
The Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as dolphin fish, common dolphinfish, or dorado, are 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 Pompano dolphinfish.
Mahi-mahi have a lifespan of 3 to 4 years and average 7 to 13 kg (15 to 25 pounds), though they can grow to be up to 45 kg (90 pounds). Mahi-mahi have compressed heads and long dorsal fins extending 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 protruding foreheads. 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, squid, and crustaceans.
Mahi-mahi are quite popular as food in many areas and are sometimes eaten as a substitute for swordfish because of their firm texture and sweet flavor.
The name "mahi-mahi" ("strong-strong" in hawaiian) has been adopted in recent years to avoid confusing these fish with dolphins, which are mammals.