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Dorado:
The Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as dolphin fish, common
dolphinfish, or Mahi-mahi, are a species of surface-dwelling
ray-finned fish found in tropical and subtropical waters. They are
one of only two members of the Coryphaenidae family, the other being
the Pompano dolphinfish.
Dorado have a lifespan of 3 to 4 years and average 7 to 13 kg (15 to
25 pounds), though they can grow to be up to 45 kg (90 pounds).
Mahi-mahi have compressed heads and long dorsal fins extending the
entire length of their bodies. Their anal fins are sharply concave.
They are distinguished by dazzling colors: golden on the sides,
bright blues and greens on the sides and back. Mature males also
have prominent protruding foreheads. When they are removed from the
water, the fish often change between several colors, finally fading
to a muted yellow-grey upon death.
Dorado are carnivorous, feeding on flying fish, crabs, squid,
mackerel, and other small fish. They have also been known to eat
zooplankton, squid, and crustaceans.
Dorado are quite popular as food in many areas and are sometimes
eaten as a substitute for swordfish because of their firm texture
and sweet flavor.
The name "mahi-mahi" ("strong-strong" in hawaiian) has been adopted
in recent years to avoid confusing these fish with dolphins, which
are mammals.
Dorado, Dolphin Fish,
Mahi Mahi, Coryphaena hippurus: The Dorado, "golden" in Spanish, is
instantly identifiable because of its unique shape and brilliant
coloration. It has a compressed body with a long concave anal fin, a
single long dorsal fin that extends the length of the body, very
long pectoral fins that are greater than one-half the length of the
head, pelvic fins that originate under the pectoral fins, and a
deeply forked caudal fin. The fins are normally yellow. The Dorado
is sexually dimorphic, with males having a bony crest on the high,
square forehead presenting a blunt vertical profile, much like a
sperm whale, while females present a more normal profile. The Dorado
is brilliantly colored with golden hues on its sides, irregular
metallic blue and green blotches on the back and sides, and white to
yellow underneath. These striking colors quickly fade to a uniform
blotchy white shortly after collection. Characteristically, the body
depth is less than 25 percent of the body length.
The Dorado is not easy to confuse with other fish, except for its
close relative, the Pompano Dorado, Coryphaena equiselis (body depth
greater than 25% of the body length, pectoral fins less than
one-half the length of the head, anal fin convex).
The Dorado is a member of the Coryphaenidae Family which has only
one other species, the Pompano Dorado. The dorados are found in all
tropic and semi-tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans,
including Mexican waters. They are characterized by their compressed
bodies with very long dorsal fins that extend from the nape to the
caudal fin, an anal fin with a long base that also extends to the
caudal fin, no finlets or scutes, and a deeply forked caudal fin.
Dorado are found in all waters, both oceanic and inshore, of the
Western Pacific Ocean from 46 degrees north to 38 degrees south
latitude. They are known to congregate under floating objects, to
follow ships, and to be swift fast-moving predators that feed on
other fishes and squid. They are preyed on by blue marlin, black
marlin, porpoises, sailfish, sharks, swordfish, and yellowfin tuna.
The Dorado is a highly prized game fish and of keen commercial
interest. It is routinely caught by with lures rapidly trolled near
the surface. Normally if you can catch one you can catch several
since they are very inquisitive party animals and will follow hooked
comrades to the boat. Small Dorado travel in schools that vary in
size from a few fish to hundreds and larger Dorado travel alone or
in pairs. They are found in the first 250 feet in the water column
with temperatures of 21 to 30 degrees Centigrade. The Dorado is a
very fast growing fish with a life span of four years.
The Dorado is omnipresent in all Mexican waters. They are reported
to reach a maximum length of 6 feet and more than 65 pounds. However
fish of less than 3 feet in length and less than 30 pounds are most
common. The world angling record is 87 pounds. A dorado caught on
lightweight tackle is one of the most exciting experiences in all of
sportsfishing.
Source: Wikipedia.org (c) 2009.
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