Categoría: Fish

Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) - Punta Cana Fishing Charters Dolphins are not dolphins. Unlike mammals, dolphins have fins. The dolphinfish most likely got its confusing common name when it was previously classified as a genus of dolphins. It also has a melon-shaped head, just like a real dolphin. In modern classification systems, fish belong to the genus Coryphaena. When a restaurant says "dolphin" on the menu, it refers to dolphin fish, not mammals. Some restaurants use the alternative names mahi-mahi and pompano to avoid confusion. Fast Facts: Dolphin Fish Scientific Name: Coryphaena hippurus (common dolphin fish); Coryphaena equiselis (pompano dolphin fish) Other Names: Dolphinfish, dolphin, mahi-mahi, dorado, pompano Distinguishing Features: Brilliantly colored fish with single dorsal fin spanning the length of the body; males have protruding foreheads Average Size: 1 meter in length and up to 40 kilograms (88 lb) weight Diet: Carnivorous Life Span: Up to 5 years, but usually less than 2 years Habitat: Temperate, subtropical, and tropical oceans worldwide Conservation Status: Least Concern Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Perciformes Family: Coryphaenidae Fun Fact: The dolphin fish is a very fast swimmer, reaching speeds of nearly 60 mph. Description There are two types of dolphin fish. The common dolphinfish (also known as mahi-mahi or dorado) is C. a hippie. Other dolphin fish species include C. equiselis, also known as pomfret. Both species of the genus Coryphaena have a compressed head and a dorsal fin that extends the length of the body. Both the anal and caudal fins are very concave. Mature males (bulls) have a prominent forehead, while females have a rounded head. Mature females are smaller than males. Their slender bodies are perfect for fast swimming. A dolphin swims at a speed of 50 knots (92.6 km/h or 57.5 mph). Pompano dolphins are sometimes confused with young common dolphins or mahi mahi due to their small size, reaching up to 127 cm (50 in). Pomfret is light blue-green with silver-gold sides. When the fish dies, the color fades to a dull gray-green color. A typical mahi mahi is 1 meter long and weighs 7–13 kg (15–29 lb), with catches exceeding 18 kg (40 lb). These fish have vibrant shades of blue, green and gold. The pectoral fins are iridescent