Mahi-Mahi
Painting of a Mahi Mahi, by I.V.Passmoore
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Coryphaenidae Genus: Coryphaena Species: hippurus
Binomial name
Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758

The Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as dolphin fish or dorado, are a species of surface-dwelling fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. Mahi-mahi have a lifespan of 3 to 4 years and average 15 to 25 pounds (7 to 13 kg), though they can grow to be up to 90 pounds (45 kg). They feed on flying fish, crabs, squid, mackerel, and other small fish.

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") has been adopted in recent years to avoid confusing these fish with dolphins, which are mammals.

References

• "Coryphaena hippurus (http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Coryphaena&speciesname=hippurus)". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. October 2004 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2004.