|
Mahi Mahi is the Hawaiian name for the species of dolphinfish, which in no way are related to "Flipper". The name means "strong strong" in Hawaiian. In Mexican waters, dolphinfish are called Dorado, which means "golden" or "gold-plated."
Mahi Mahi are found in all tropical and semi-tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans including Mexican waters and are characterized by their compressed bodies with very long dorsal fins that extend from the nape of the neck to almost the tail of the fish.
Mahi Mahi males have a bony crest on the high, square forehead presenting a blunt vertical profile, much like a sperm whale, while females present a more normal profile. The Mahi Mahi is brilliantly colored with golden hues on its sides, irregular metallic blue and green blotches on the back and sides, and white to yellow underneath. These striking colors quickly fade to a uniform blotchy white shortly after being landed.
Back to the top |
The Mahi Mahi is a highly prized game fish and of keen commercial interest. It is routinely caught with lures rapidly trolled near the surface. Normally if you can catch one you can catch several since they are very inquisitive party animals and will follow hooked comrades to the boat. Small Mahi travel in schools that vary in size from a few fish to hundreds and larger fish travel alone or in pairs.
The Mahi Mahi is a very fast growing fish with a growth rate that can literally be measured on a daily basis. In the Gulf of Mexico, Mahi grow at the amazing rate of 5 inches per month. They are truly eating machines that will reach their maximum size of about 5 feet at the end of their short natural life span of about 3 years.
|
