Mahi Mahi

Description of the Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi has a very distinguishable appearance. Its head is quite tall and flat, particularly in males, giving it a squared appearance. It has blue-green scales along its back and yellow scales on its sides and underbelly.

On average, this fish measures just over three feet long. However, exceptionally large individuals can surpass six feet in length.

Interesting Facts

This fish has a number of interesting traits and adaptations. Learn more about what makes them unique, below.

• Fast Growing – This species of fish grows incredibly rapidly. It takes just four or five months for the young fish to reach sexual maturity, and they continue to grow afterward.
• Sportfishing – Many people target this species while sportfishing. This species has particular popularity in this market because of its unique coloration and high-quality meat. Additionally, the fish have stable populations, making local governing bodies encourage their targeting over more vulnerable species.
• Pagmamamataw – In the Philippines and many of the surrounding areas, people hunt this fish using harpoons. They even utilize special boats that they can steer with one hand and aim their harpoon with the other.

Habitat of the Mahi-Mahi

You can often find this species near the surface of the ocean. They prefer pelagic habitats of open water, swimming in open water and not typically associating with the sea floor or the coasts. This species also congregates near floating debris, such as seaweed or palm fronds, as its prey often hides there.

Diet of the Mahi Mahi

This species has carnivorous feeding habits, which means that it eats other animals. More specifically, as a piscivore it preys on fish and other aquatic creatures. Some common prey include fish, squid, shrimp, and more.

Larger individuals hunt for larger prey, and these fish eat just about anything that they can fit in their mouths. As active hunters, the swim rapidly in pursuit of prey and expend large amounts of energy. To learn more about Mahi Mahi, click here!