The Dorado fish, scientifically known as Coryphaena hippurus, is a marine species recognized globally by its Hawaiian name, Mahi-Mahi. It is also commonly referred to as dolphinfish, a name that can cause confusion as it is not related to the marine mammal dolphin. This vibrant fish is a surface-dwelling, ray-finned species found in offshore temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide.
Distinctive Features
The Dorado fish has brilliant, iridescent coloration. Its sides are often golden, while its back and flanks display bright blues and greens, sometimes with patterns of blue and purple dots. These colors, however, fade rapidly after removal from water, often turning muted yellow-grey upon death.
The body shape of the Dorado is compressed and elongated. Its single, very long dorsal fin extends almost the entire length of its body, from head to tail fin. Mature males, called “bulls,” have a prominent, blunt, vertical forehead that protrudes above their streamlined body. Females, in contrast, have a more rounded head. The fish typically measures around 1 meter (3.3 feet) and weighs 7 to 13 kilograms (15 to 29 pounds), though larger individuals can exceed 18 kilograms (40 pounds) and reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet).
Oceanic Habitat and Habits
Dorado inhabit open tropical and subtropical waters across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are pelagic, living in the open sea, typically near the surface, though able to dive to around 85 meters (279 feet). These fish are highly migratory, with their movements often influenced by water temperature and the availability of prey.
Dorado often congregate around floating objects in the open ocean, such as sargassum weed, logs, or other debris. These floating structures provide both shelter and attract smaller organisms, creating a natural feeding ground. Mahi-Mahi primarily feed during the daytime. Their diet includes a variety of species like flying fish, squid, crabs, mackerel, and other small pelagic fish. They are fast swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 50 knots (57.5 mph or 92.6 km/h), aiding them in pursuing agile prey and evading larger predators.
Ecological Significance and Human Value
The Dorado fish plays a role within the marine food web, acting as both predator and prey. They hunt smaller fish, regulating populations, and serve as food for larger marine predators like tuna, marlin, sailfish, and marine mammals. Their rapid growth and high reproductive capacity, with females spawning multiple times a year and producing hundreds of thousands of eggs, contribute to their stable population status. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the common dolphinfish as “Least Concern.”
Dorado are valued by humans, particularly in sport fishing, due to their fighting ability, speed, and acrobatic displays when hooked. Anglers actively seek them out for the challenge and excitement they offer. Beyond recreation, Mahi-Mahi is also a popular food fish. Its firm, white flesh and mild, clean flavor make it a popular culinary choice in many restaurants and households globally. The commercial and recreational harvesting of Mahi-Mahi is substantial, necessitating responsible fishing practices.