Mahi-Mahi, a popular and visually striking fish, often causes confusion due to its common name: “dolphin fish.” This association with the marine mammal, the dolphin, frequently leads to misunderstanding about this aquatic creature. This article clarifies this misconception by explaining the distinct biological classification of Mahi-Mahi and the historical reasons behind its alternative name.
Clarifying the Confusion: Fish vs. Mammal
The Mahi-Mahi, scientifically known as Coryphaena hippurus, is a fish, belonging to the family Coryphaenidae. Fish are cold-blooded vertebrates that breathe underwater using gills and typically reproduce by laying eggs. They move through water using fins, with their tails swinging side to side.
In contrast, dolphins are warm-blooded marine mammals, maintaining a constant internal body temperature. They breathe air using lungs, give birth to live young, and nurse them with milk. Dolphins propel themselves through water by moving their tails up and down. Despite sharing a common name, Mahi-Mahi and marine dolphins are biologically unrelated. Mahi-Mahi belong to the class Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes), while dolphins belong to the class Mammalia.
The True Name: Mahi-Mahi
The name “Mahi-Mahi” originates from the Hawaiian language, translating to “strong-strong” or “very strong.” This aptly describes the fish’s remarkable power and endurance, making it a formidable catch for sport fishermen. The reduplication of “Mahi” emphasizes its exceptional strength and ability to swim long distances. This Hawaiian moniker has gained global recognition and is widely preferred today to prevent confusion with the marine mammal.
Mahi-Mahi are identifiable by their striking appearance, featuring iridescent colors such as golden sides and bright blues and greens on their backs. Males are distinct due to their prominent, blunt forehead, which becomes more pronounced with maturity, while females have a more rounded head. These fish also exhibit a single, long dorsal fin that extends almost the entire length of their body.
Understanding the “Dolphin” Moniker
The historical use of “dolphin” or “dolphinfish” for Mahi-Mahi stems from several factors. Sailors applied the term due to the fish’s observed behavior, particularly its tendency to swim and leap near the surface alongside boats, a characteristic also seen in marine dolphins. This playful and energetic demeanor likely led to the adoption of the name.
Beyond behavioral similarities, the name reflects a broader historical application of “dolphin” to various marine creatures. In some contexts, the fish was simply called “dolphin” before “dolphinfish” was used for differentiation. Another common name for Coryphaena hippurus include “Dorado,” which is Spanish for “golden,” a reference to the fish’s vibrant coloration. While the “dolphin” moniker persists in some regions, “Mahi-Mahi” is now the widely accepted term to distinguish this powerful, colorful fish from the beloved marine mammal.