Species profile
Common Dolphinfish
Coryphaena hippurus
Identify Common Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 4 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Common Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 6 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 5 (Florida); the most generous is 10 (Federal Waters (NOAA)).
Across 4 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 26.3 in (≈ 2 ft 2 in).
Confirmed by 187 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Florida, Texas, and Hawaii the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Mahi-mahi can reach 1 meter in length within their first year of life.
- Males have a distinctively squared-off forehead; females have a rounded head.
- Their brilliant blue-green-gold coloration fades to gray within seconds of death.
- They can swim at speeds exceeding 50 km/h (31 mph).
- Maximum lifespan is only about 4–5 years, making them one of the fastest-cycling sport fish.
Where Common Dolphinfish are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Common Dolphinfish
Background
The mahi-mahi (/ˈmɑːhiːˈmɑːhiː/) or common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) is a surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in off-shore temperate, tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Also widely called dorado and dolphin, it is one of two members of the Coryphaenidae family, the other being the pompano dolphinfish. Mahi means very strong in Hawaiian.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Common Dolphinfish article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Dolphinfish?
Common Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 6 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Common Dolphinfish?
Common Dolphinfish is Coryphaena hippurus.
Is Common Dolphinfish regulated for fishing?
Yes — Common Dolphinfish has fishing regulations in 4 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Common Dolphinfish?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Common Dolphinfish along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.