Key
West Fishing
Mahi-Mahi or Dolphin Fish
The common English
name for this fish causes much confusion.
The fish known as the "dolphin" is not related to the
marine mammal of the same common name (family Delphinidae).
Additionally, two species of dolphinfish exist, the common dolphinfish
(Coryphaena hippurus) and the pompano dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis).
Both these species are commonly marketed by their Pacific name, mahi-mahi.
The dolphinfish is abundant in the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Current, and
throughout the Caribbean. Many
observations have been made on the feeding habits of dolphinfish.
Dolphinfish are swift-moving, agile predators and are able to overcome most
prey items.
This fish often associates with Sargassum in the Florida Current and Gulf Stream,
where they prey primarily upon the smaller fishes and invertebrates associated
with these tide lines.
· Coloration
Coloration of dolphinfish is quite dramatic with golden hues on the sides,
irregular blotches
of metallic blue and greens on the back and sides, and white and yellow on
the underside.
This fish is very colorful underwater, catching light and reflecting a wide
range of brilliant colors. Freshly caught individuals change coloration very
quickly, fading to a uniform silvery color. Small individuals and juveniles
have well-defined alternating light and dark vertical bars on the sides of
body that continue onto the dorsal and anal fins.
Juvenile dolphinfish have white-tipped caudal fins and black pelvic fins while
juvenile pompano dolphinfish have white-edged caudal fins and no pigment on
the pelvic fins.
· Size, Age, and Growth
The dolphinfish is a large fish, known to reach a maximum of 6 feet (2 m) in
length,
but more commonly to lengths of 3 feet (1 m). This fish commonly weighs
30 pounds (14 kg) with a maximum of more than 65 pounds (30 kg).
The record for Florida waters is 77 pounds, 12 ounces (35.2 kg) and the world
record is
87 pounds (39.5 kg). Dolphinfish that school together range in size
from 1-20 pounds (.5-9 kg) while larger individuals live alone or in pairs.
Sexual maturity is reached in 4-5 months (3 months for captive fish) and spawning
first
occurs at lengths of approximately 8 inches (20 cm). Dolphinfish grow rapidly
throughout
their life, with a maximum life span of 4 years.
· Predators
In the Atlantic Ocean, albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), yellowfin tuna
(Thunnus albacares), and blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) are predators of the
dolphinfish.
Dolphinfish are commonly observed with holes pierced through them by marlin
bills. Other predators of thedolphinfish include swordfish (Xiphias gladius),
sharks, and porpoises as well as seabirds.
· Conservation
Studies conducted on dolphinfish populations have concluded that it should
be able
to withstand high levels of harvest. Life history characteristics, including
fast growth rates,
high reproductive capability, and low age at maturity, make the dolphinfish
resistant
to overfishing within the Gulf of Mexico and south Atlantic fishery.
To learn more about these florida fish and other facts please
visit
The Florida Museum
of Natural History
Key West Fishing
with Captain Richard Houde
aboard the custom Key West Charter Boat
"SOUTHBOUND
For
reservations and availability contact Captain Rich
at (305) 747-3668 or by e-mail at fish@sportfishingkeywest.com
Thanks for visiting
sport fishing key west.com
We hope to see you soon.
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