Overview
Very fast pelagic predator, often under floating objects and FADs.
Identification
High foreheadCrescent-shaped caudal finsSmooth skin without scalesProminent lower jawIridescent colorationLong dorsal finsPowerful musculatureLarge eyes
- Body
- Elongated body and laterally compressed with a prominent head and high forehead.
- Colouration
- Bright green with yellow and blue hues, featuring iridescent spots.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Males have a more prominent forehead than females.
- Growth
- Fast, can reach adult size in a matter of months
Taxonomy
- Family
- Coryphaenidae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Coryphaena equiselisElagatis bipinnulataSeriola dumeriliTrachinotus falcatusNaucrates ductor
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- open_sea, pelagic
- Geographic distribution
- Found in all tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean.
- Micro-habitat
- Often found under floating objects or FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices).
Prefer open waters and often found associated with FADs for shelter and feeding reasons.
Presence by sea area
Tirreno NordPeak
Tirreno CentroPeak
Tirreno SudPeak
Adriatico NordPeak
Adriatico CentroPeak
Adriatico SudPeak
Ionio NordPeak
Ionio CentroPeak
Sardegna OvestPeak
Sardegna EstPeak
Sicilia TirrenoPeak
Sicilia Ionio CanalePeak
Eu Mediterraneo OvestPeak
Eu Mediterraneo EstPeak
Eu Azzorre Madeira CanariePeak
Af Atlantico Trop EPeak
Af Golfo GuineaPeak
Af Indiano EstPeak
Na Costa Est SudPeak
Na Golfo MessicoPeak
Na CaraibiPeak
Na Baja CaliforniaPeak
Sa Brasile NordPeak
Sa Brasile EstPeak
As Mar ArabicoPeak
As Mar Cinese SudPeak
Au Nw ShelfPeak
Au Gbr NordPeak
Au Coral SeaPeak
Oc FijiPeak
Oc PolinesiaPeak
Oc MicronesiaPeak
Oc PapuaPeak
Open Pacifico TropPeak
Open Atlantico TropPeak
Open Indiano TropPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- flying fish, squid, small pelagic fish
- Secondary prey
- crustaceans, jellyfish, salps
- Occasional prey
- octopus, plankton, cephalopods
- Feeding behaviour
- Opportunistic predator that uses speed to chase and capture preferred prey.
- Natural predators
- tunas, swordfish, sharks, humans
An efficient predator due to its speed and agility in chasing prey.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- small_groups
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Migrate seasonally to warmer waters.
- Seasonal behaviour
- More active during summer months as they migrate to warm waters.
- Juveniles
- Young ones often found in small groups around floating debris.
- Adults
- Adults can form small schools when hunting.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- May, June, July, August
- Spawning depth
- from the surface down to 30 meters
- Eggs
- Pelagic eggs, small in size, hatch quickly.
- Larval stage
- Larvae are planktonic and grow rapidly by feeding on zooplankton.
- Sexual maturity
- varies between 1 and 2 years
When to catch Mahi-mahi / Dolphinfish
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Daymattino, tarda mattina
Nightalba
This species shows peak fishing activity in summer, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in autumn and winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Very active on surface.
Medium
Good activity, follows floating objects.
High
Deeper but still active.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
18°COptimal zone: 22-28°C32°C
Preferred tide: any
Where to catch it
Best spots
offshore near FADsunder floating debrisvicinity of oceanic islandsupwelling zones
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
trollingdriftingspinninglive bait fishing
Other applicable
SpinningPoppingTraina CostieraTrolling OceanicoLive BaitingSpinning MedioSpinning VelocePesca A Mosca In MareSpinning OffshoreStreamer
Recommended baits
live minnowsspoonssquidsoft baits
Baits by pressure
Low
Cedar plugFeather jigHoochie / Octopus rigMetal jig leggero (20-40g)Skirted trolling (Pusher/Chugger)Minnow affondantePaddle tail softbait
Medium
Ballyhoo armatoTrancio di sardinaEsca viva (generica)Sardina vivaGambero morto / Gambero
High
Ballyhoo armatoCedar plugFeather jig
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Strong fighter, leaps out of the water and performs multiple acrobatics.
- Handling
- Avoid caudal and dorsal fins as they can be sharp.
- Release
- Handle carefully and release quickly to minimize stress.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The IGFA world all-tackle record for dolphinfish is 39.91 kg, caught in the waters of Los Cabos, Mexico, in 1976. The largest dolphinfish in the Mediterranean Sea can reach over 15 kg.
- In the kitchen
- Used for grilled fish, seasoned with citrus and spices, often served in tropical restaurants.
- Cultural notes
- Considered a symbol of speed and strength in tropical seas.
- Historical notes
- Recognized by pirates and sailors for its beauty and culinary delight.
