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Common dolphinfish or dorado or mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus)

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Common name - Common dolphinfish or dorado or mahi mahi
Scientific name - Coryphaena hippurus
Rating
  • 1
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Caught at sea Handline, Troll, Pole & line
Capture Area Worldwide  FAO All areas
Stock Area Global
Stock Detail All Areas
Summary
Dolphinfish are a relatively resilient, fast growing species; however the stock status worldwide is effectively unknown and there is no species specific management globally. The lack of data and management of the fishery is a cause for concern as there is no reference to the stock health or any indication of whether it is being fished sustainably. More research and management corresponding to the resulting research data is required, to maintain the long term sustainability of the fishery. The most ecologically sound fishing methods for common dolphinfish are handline, pole & line and troll, and fish taken using these low impact and selective methods are a good choice. Common dolphinfish mature at an average size of 65cm so only source fish from fisheries selecting above this size.
Biology
Two species of dolphinfish exist, the common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and the pompano dolphin (Coryphaena equiselis). Both these species are commonly marketed by their Pacific name, mahi-mahi. Dolphinfish or mahi mahi (a Hawaiian word meaning strong-strong) live near the surface, normally in small schools determined by sex or size. They are highly migratory and found in warm, tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Mahi mahi grow and mature quickly, having a short life span of 3-4 years, 5 years maximum, and reaching sexual maturity at 4-5 months. Spawning occurs inshore, and the season may last from March to early June in the Indian Ocean waters of east Africa. In the western Pacific, spawning likely occurs year round. Females may spawn two to three times per year, and produce between 80,000 and 1,000,000 eggs per event. They can reach lengths of over 1m in little more than a year and have a maximum size of over 2m and 40kg.
Stock Information
The stock status of dolphinfish is unassessed and therefore unknown globally, with the exception of a single stock assessment for the US fishery for the species in the south east of America. The assessment resulted in the conclusion that there was a 'Moderate conservation concern' for the status of the stock, however the certainty of the assessment is very poor. However it should be noted that the species is relatively resilient to fishing pressure as it is fast growing, has an early age at maturity and a short life span.
Capture Information
Dolphinfish are both targeted and caught as bycatch in commercial fisheries for tuna and other gamefish. When caught using handline, troll and pole & line there is little bycatch and no impact upon the seabed, any unwanted catch can be returned to the sea with a likely high rate of survival. Common dolphinfish mature at an average size of 65cm, so only source fish from fisheries selecting above this size.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.