Description
Dolphinfish, Copyphaena Hippurus also known as dorado, mahi mahi measure an easy 2m and a weight average between 7-15kg! With a reported lifespan of only 5 years. Adult males have a prominent bony crest at the front of their heads! The colour of common dolphinfish is typically gold, blue and green on their sides while it is white and yellow underneath! Juveniles have pronounced vertical bars on either side of their bodies! Top speed 93km/h!
Habitat
Typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Mediterranean and a off-shore surface dweller. Highly migratory found both in open water and coastal waters often in schools!
Feeding
They have a diet comprising of zooplankton, crustaceans, squid, flying fish, mackerel and other forage fish!
Life History
These fish reproduce through external fertilization. Spawning occurs between May to early June reaching sexual maturity in 4-5 months and spawn in open water. They are one of the fastest growing fish in the world. They usually lay their eggs on Sargassum (floating brown algae) 3-4 times a year. If water temperature is above 34C these fish spawn year round! Consuming dolphinfish, has been reported to cause ciguatera poisoning.
Fun Fact
Dorado is a constellation in the southern sky. Its name refers to the dolphinfish, which is known as dorado in Spanish, although it has also been depicted as a swordfish. Dorado is notable for containing most of the Large Magellanic Cloud, the remainder being in the constellation Mensa. The South ecliptic pole also lies within this constellation.
