mahimahi

mahimahi, (Coryphaena hippurus), species of open-ocean fishes known for its iridescent coloring and popularity in commercial and sport fishing. The mahimahi is one of two species classified in the genus Coryphaena, a single genus within the family Coryphaenidae, the other being the pompano dolphinfish (C. equiselis). The mahimahi inhabits tropical and subtropical ocean waters. It is a popular seafood that appears in restaurants and seafood markets worldwide.

The name mahimahi comes from the Hawaiian language, meaning “very strong,” in reference to the fish’s strong swimming skills. Although the mahimahi is sometimes called dolphinfish or dolphin, it shares no relation to the marine mammal, and it is unclear why they share the same name (see also dolphin). The mahimahi is also sometimes referred to as the dorado, which means “golden” in Spanish, referring to its golden coloring; however, it is not to be confused with Salminus brasiliensis, a freshwater species that is also referred to as the dorado.

Form and function

The species possesses a long and narrow body, a dorsal fin that runs down the length of its body, and a forked tail. Males have a large, protruding forehead, whereas the head of females has a rounder profile. The fish is recognizable by its bold gold-and-green coloration that is accented with patches of blue and silver. Mahimahi vary in size and weight, males being larger than females on average. Fully grown adults often measure 1 meter (3.3 feet) long, the largest individuals growing to 2.1 meters (7 feet) in length. Adults weigh about 14 kg (31 pounds); however, many mahimahi are heavier. The largest mahimahi landed weighed 39.5 kg (87 pounds).

Mahimahi are not deep-diving fish; they reside near the ocean’s surface down to depths of about 85 meters (280 feet). They are long-distance migrants, some individuals traveling as far as 3,000 km (1,864 miles) in a single month. Juveniles tend to congregate in schools, while adults are often solo or occur in smaller groups. These fish can be found grouping together under floating garbage or patches of Sargassum weed, a brown algae that also serves as a feeding source; however, mahimahi are also predatory, capable of swimming at speeds of more than 92.5 km (57.5 miles) per hour in pursuit of small fishes, crustaceans, and squid. In captivity, they have been shown to engage in cannibalism. Mahimahi are prey for marine mammals and larger fishes, such as tuna and swordfish.

Mahimahi reproduce quickly and grow rapidly. Females produce hundreds of thousands to millions of eggs in multiple spawning periods each year. Reproduction occurs in pairs, and the eggs are fertilized externally. Mahimahi become sexually mature between three and five months after hatching, and they can live a maximum of five years, but most live four years or fewer.

Conservation status

On the basis of the species’s numerous offspring, fast maturation, and large geographic distribution, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources classifies the mahimahi as a species of least concern. Although some local population declines have been reported, the mahimahi is considered largely resistant to overfishing. The mahimahi is a popular food fish targeted by commercial fishing operations and sport fishers. Most of the world’s commercially produced mahimahi comes from Peru. Like many other fish, mahimahi can cause illness when eaten by people if they contain ciguatoxins from algae found around coral reefs. Mahimahi may be served on its own or incorporated into other dishes, such as ceviche.