Florida Dolphin Fishing (Mahi-Mahi)
Family Coryphaenidae, DOLPHINS
Coryphaena hippurus
Illustrations and Copyright by Diane Rome Peebles
Illustrations are for viewing purposes only.
Description: bright greenish blue above, yellow on sides, with capability of flashing purple, chartreuse, and a wide range of other colors; body tapers sharply from head to tail; irregular blue or golden blotches scattered over sides; anterior profile of head on adult males is nearly vertical; head of females more sloping; the single dark dorsal fin extends from just behind the head to the tail; anal fin margin concave and extending from anus to tail.
Similar Fish: pompano dolphin, C. equisetis. The pompano dolphin has squarish tooth patch on tongue (oval tooth patch on dolphin) and fewer dorsal rays (48 to 55 versus 55 to 65 on dolphin).
Where found: OFFSHORE in warm waters.
Size: common to 30 pounds.
Florida Record: 77 lbs, 12 ozs.
Remarks: one of the fastest-growing fish, thought to live no more than 5 years; swimming speed is estimated at 50 knots; spawns in warm ocean currents throughout much of the year; young found in sargassum weed; feeds on flying fish and squid.
For more about Florida saltwater fish please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
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Member
of Indian River Guides Association (IRGA) an organization established in 2000 to
protect the waters and fishery of the Indian River Lagoon System. |
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