The Dorado fish refers to the large, predatory marine species Coryphaena hippurus, commonly known as Mahi-Mahi or the common Dolphinfish. This ray-finned fish is classified within the family Coryphaenidae. It inhabits the surface waters of temperate, tropical, and subtropical oceans globally, and is one of the most widely distributed fish species. The fish serves as a highly valued target for both commercial and recreational fishing fleets.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
The marine Dorado possesses a compressed, elongated body topped by a single, continuous dorsal fin. Its most recognizable feature is its coloration, which includes iridescent blues and greens along the back and sides, contrasted by golden-yellow flanks. The Spanish name “Dorado” translates to “golden,” a nod to these striking hues. This coloring, however, is temporary and rapidly fades to a dull yellow-gray shortly after the fish is removed from the water.
A distinct sexual dimorphism is evident in the head shape of mature fish. Male Dorado, often called “bulls,” develop a prominent, blunt, vertical forehead that juts out noticeably above the body. Conversely, the females maintain a more rounded and sloping head profile. The fish often reaches up to 40 kilograms in weight and lengths exceeding 2 meters, though most commercially caught specimens are smaller.
Habitat, Migration, and Diet
The Dorado is an open-ocean species, thriving in the warm, clear waters of the world’s major oceans. It is highly migratory, traveling in search of favorable conditions and food sources. These fish are frequently observed near floating objects in the open sea, such as rafts of Sargassum seaweed, logs, or debris, which provide a form of cover and attract smaller prey fish.
The Dorado is built for speed, capable of bursts up to 50 knots to chase down prey. Its diet consists of a variety of pelagic organisms, including smaller schooling baitfish, squid, and crustaceans. The species spawns year-round in warm ocean currents, with females producing hundreds of thousands of eggs per event.
Clarifying the Name Dorado
The common name “Dorado” is shared by two separate fish species. While the marine fish Coryphaena hippurus is known as Dorado in many Spanish-speaking regions, the same name is also applied to the Golden Dorado, Salminus brasiliensis. This second fish is a powerful, predatory species native to the large river systems of South America, such as the Paraná River basin.
The two species belong to different taxonomic families and inhabit completely different ecosystems. The marine Dorado is in the family Coryphaenidae, while the Golden Dorado is a characin. It is the marine species, also called Mahi-Mahi, that is distributed globally and recognized for its vibrant color and culinary significance.
Commercial Value and Sustainability
The marine Dorado is valued in both the sport fishing and commercial seafood industries. Anglers prize the fish for its strength, speed, and acrobatic fighting style when hooked, making it a sought-after game fish. Its flesh possesses a firm texture and mild flavor, making it a staple in seafood markets.
The species is resilient to fishing pressure. Dorado are short-lived, typically surviving only three to four years. However, they reach sexual maturity quickly, often within their first year, and reproduce frequently. This allows the population to replenish rapidly, supporting its designation as a species of Least Concern by many conservation organizations.