Dolphin Fish, Mahi-mahi, Dorado

Descrição

Coryphaena hippurus, commonly known as the mahi-mahi or common dolphinfish, is a highly migratory, pelagic ray-finned fish found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. It is renowned for its vibrant coloration, rapid growth, and strong fighting ability, making it a prized game fish and a commercially important species. The name 'Galo-de-penacho' in Portuguese refers to its distinctive crest-like forehead in males.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

compressed

Coloração

Highly iridescent and variable. Live specimens display brilliant metallic blues, greens, and yellows on the dorsal side, fading to golden yellow or white on the flanks and belly. Dark spots may be present on the sides. Colors fade rapidly upon death to a dull greenish-gray. Fins are typically dark or yellowish.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

superior

Características distintivas

Males (bulls) develop a prominent, bony, vertical forehead (crest) as they mature, giving them a 'penacho' (plume/crest) appearance., Females have a more rounded head profile., Long, single dorsal fin extending almost the entire length of the body., Deeply forked caudal fin.

Nadadeira dorsal

A single, long dorsal fin originating just behind the head and extending nearly to the caudal fin, with 58-66 soft rays. It lacks spines.

Nadadeira caudal

Deeply forked and powerful, providing propulsion for fast swimming.

Nadadeira peitoral

Relatively short, located low on the body.

Nadadeiras características

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

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

saltwater

Profundidade

Primarily epipelagic, inhabiting the surface waters down to about 85 meters (280 feet), though occasionally found deeper.

Ambiente

Open ocean (pelagic), often associated with floating objects such as Sargassum weed lines, debris, or FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), which provide shelter and attract prey.

Distribuição geográfica

Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical oceans, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Found from the eastern United States to the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: expert
• Temperamento: aggressive
• Alimentação: carnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size, growth rate, and pelagic nature. Requires extremely large, specialized public aquariums.
• Temperatura: 24-30°C (75-86°F)
• Nível de pH: 8.1-8.4
• Dureza da água: High (marine salinity)
• Compatibilidade: Not compatible with most other species due to its predatory nature and rapid movements. Best kept in species-specific, very large exhibits.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires immense open swimming space, high water quality, and a constant supply of live or fresh dead prey. Extremely challenging to maintain in captivity.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: least concern
• Sazonalidade: Available year-round in tropical regions, but seasonal peaks occur in various locations depending on migratory patterns and water temperatures. Generally more abundant during warmer months.
• Preço de mercado: Varies significantly by region and season, but generally commands a good price due to its popularity as a food fish.
• Importância comercial: high
• Sabor: Mild to medium-strong, sweet, and distinct.
• Textura: Firm, flaky, and moist.
• Métodos de preparo: Grilling, Baking, Frying, Broiling, Sautéing
• Valor nutricional: Excellent source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins (B6, B12), niacin, phosphorus, and selenium. Low in saturated fat.

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordem

Carangiformes

Família

Coryphaenidae

Gênero

Coryphaena

Espécie

hippurus

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