Mahi-mahi

The mahi-mahi in Hawaiian 1 Coryphaena hippurus commonly known as dolphin-fish. In other languages it is known as rakingo, calitos, maverikos, dorado, or lampuka in Maltese . These are surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in off-shore temperate, tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They are one of only two members of the Coryphaenidae family, the other being the pompano dolphinfish.

The mahi-mahi is not related to the Delphinidae family of mammals whose common name is simply dolphin. The English language adopted the Hawaiian word mahi-mahi without formalizing its spelling. The American Heritage Dictionary, fourth edition, cites the preferred spelling occurring more frequently as the hyphenated mahi-mahi. The secondary spelling is the single word mahimahi, with the identical Hawaiian word given as the derivative source. But Webster s Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, reverses this preference order, preferring the single word to the hyphenated version, as does the Oxford English Dictionary 2000 draft entry .

Linnaeus named the genus, derived from the Greek word, koryphe, meaning top or apex, in 1758. Synonyms for the species include Coryphaena argyrurus, Coryphaena chrysurus and Coryphaena dolfyn.

Mahi-mahi live 4 to 5 years. Catches average 7 to 13 kilograms 15 to 29 lb . They seldom exceed 15 160 kilograms 33 lb , and any mahi-mahi over 18 160 kilograms 40 lb is exceptional.

Mahi-mahi have compressed bodies and long dorsal fins extending nearly the entire length of their bodies. Their anal fins are sharply concave. They are distinguished by dazzling colors golden on the sides, and bright blues and greens on the sides and back. Mature males have prominent foreheads protruding well above the body proper. Females have a rounded head. Females are also usually smaller than males.

Out of the water, the fish often change color among several hues giving rise to their Spanish name, dorado maverikos, "golden maverick" , finally fading to a muted yellow-grey upon death.