Taxonomy
- The Mahi-Mahi or Common Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) is also known widely as Dorado.
Species
of Commercial Interest
- Both members of the Coryphaenidae family, the Mahi-Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) and its cousin the Pompano Dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis), are prized as gamefish and are consumed in homes and restaurants. The Pompano is often served as a substitute for swordfish due to its firm texture and sweet flavor.
Distribution
- Mahi-Mahi can be found off-shore in temperate, tropical and subtropical waters in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans. Their capacity for extensive travel makes regulating their capture and consumption difficult. The Pompano's range is restricted to more tropical and subtropical waters throughout the world.
Biology
- Mahi-Mahi grows and matures quickly, leading to speculation that it can probably withstand concentrated fishing pressure. However, scientists still know very little about the overall population size of mahi mahi and this unknown is cause for concern. Males and females are sexually mature in their first year, usually by 4-5 months old. Females can spawn up to two to three times per year, and produce 80,000-1,000,000 eggs per event. Spawning occurs in the open sea and probably approximate to the coast when water temperature rises. The eggs and larvae are pelagic.
- Adults form schools. Due to their wide geographic range, Mahi-Mahi feed on almost all forms of fish and zooplankton; also takes crustaceans and squid. Attracting devices such as floating bundles of bamboo reeds or cork planks are used to concentrate dolphin fish before the nets are set.
Sustainability
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
- MBA Seafood Watch:
- Current challenges include an inability to efficiently measure/regulate capture due to large migratory range. Mahi Mahi imported to the US from international sources may be caught through unsustainable means. Since there are no integrated international laws to reduce bycatch, international longline fleets are contributing heavily to the long-term decline of some threatened or endangered species. As a result, mahi mahi caught by the international longline fleets is rated as "Avoid." Well-regulated fisheries using hook- and-line gear (troll, pole-and-line, or handline) exist in the Southeast US, making fish from these regions a “Best Choice.”
Potential
Health Concerns
- Reports of Ciguatera poisoning from consumption of Mahi Mahi flesh have been reported in humans. Unlike many toxicants found in fish, Ciguatera cannot be neutralized by cooking (heat).
