The mahi-mahi or dolphin fish means very strong in Hawaiian.  It is a surface-dwelling ray-finned fish found in off-shore warm, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide.  This fish is in no way related to the common dolphin (or “flipper”).  Mahi-mahi typically live around 4-5 years and average 15 to 30 pounds.  They have compressed bodies and long dorsal fins extending nearly the entire length of their bodies.  Their anal fins are sharply concave.  They have beautiful colors:  golden yellows on their sides and bright blues and greens on the sides and back.  Mature males have prominent foreheads protruding well above the body proper (imagine them running into a wall and having a flat forehead because of it).  Females have a rounded head (that appears “normal”) and are usually smaller than males.

Mahi-mahi are among the fastest-growing fish.  They spawn in warm ocean currents throughout much of the year, and their young are commonly found in seaweed.  Mahi-mahi are carnivorous, feeding on flying fish, crabs, squid, mackerel, and other forage fish.  They have also been known to eat zooplankton and crustaceans.

The mahi-mahi’s taste resembles other whitefish such as flounder and tilapia.