How to Identify Mahi-Mahi

To identify Mahi-Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Highly iridescent and variable. Live fish display brilliant metallic blues, greens, and golds on the dorsal side, fading to silvery-white or yellow on the ventral side. Often has scattered dark spots on the sides. Colors fade rapidly to dull grey or yellow-grey upon death. Juveniles may have vertical bars.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Males (bulls) have a prominent, steep, and blunt forehead that becomes more pronounced with age, giving them a distinctive 'square' head profile., Females have a more rounded head profile., A single, long dorsal fin extending from the head almost to the caudal fin., Deeply forked caudal fin (tail)., Small, cycloid scales., Large mouth with numerous small, conical teeth.

Dorsal fin

A single, long dorsal fin with 58-66 soft rays, originating just above the eye and extending nearly to the caudal fin. It is not preceded by spines.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin, often appearing crescent-shaped.

Pectoral fin

Short, falcate (sickle-shaped) pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is long, originating about midway along the body and extending to the caudal fin, with 25-31 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Head Shape

   Males (bulls) have a very steep, blunt, almost vertical forehead. Females have a more gently sloping, rounded head.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Vibrant iridescent blues, greens, and yellows when alive, fading quickly after death. Look for scattered dark spots on the sides.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   A single, long dorsal fin running almost the entire length of the back, without any spines.

4. 4

   Caudal Fin

   Deeply forked tail fin.

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