Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Coryphaenidae

Genus: Coryphaena

Species:  Coryphaena hippurus

The mahi-mahi is found in off-shore temperate, tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. The name mahi-mahi means very strong in Hawaiian.

Mahi-mahi can live up to 5 years. Catches average at 15 to 29 lb (7 to 13 kg). They seldom exceed 33 to 40 lb (15 to 28 kg)

Mahi-mahi has compressed bodies and long dorsal fins extending nearly the entire length of their bodies. They are distinguished by dazzling colors: golden on the sides, and bright blues and greens on the sides and back. Females are also usually smaller than males. Three black diagonal stripes appear on each side of the pectoral fins as mahi-mahi swiftly darts after prey. Out of the water, the fish often change color, going several hues before finally fading to a muted yellow-grey upon death.

In waters averaging 28 °C/83 °F, mahi-mahi larvae are found year-round. The body is slightly slender and long, making them fast swimmers; they can swim as fast as 57mph (92 km/h).

Mahi-mahi is highly sought for Recreational fishing, sport fishing and commercial purposes. Sport fishermen seek them due to their beauty and size. Mahi-mahi is popular in many restaurants.

Mahi-mahi is usually caught and sold as a by-product by tuna and swordfish commercial fishing operators. However, there is an increasing in this consumption every year. Now they are sought by commercial fishermen on their own merits.

Mahi-mahi, when caught in the Atlantic, is considered as a best choice. It is advised to avoid imported mahi-mahi harvested by long line, but rates troll and pole-and-line caught as a good alternative.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) classifies mahi-mahi as a moderate mercury fish, and suggests eating less than six servings per month.

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) classifies mahi-mahi caught by line/pole in the US as Eco-Best but classifies long line more negative as it can injure or kill seabirds, sea turtles and sharks.