Description

Mahimahi is the Hawaiian name for dolphinfish. The Hawaiian moniker came into common use to prevent consumers from confusing this fish with the marine mammal, to which it is unrelated. The alternative name of dolphin-fish came about from the fish’s habit of swimming ahead of sailing ships, as dolphins do. Mahimahi is one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean because of its rich, iridescent colors. The back is an electric greenish blue, the lower body is gold or sparkling silver, and the sides have a mixture of dark and light spots. Although most people associate mahimahi with Hawaii, it is found in tropical and sub-tropical waters around the globe. Initially, mahimahi was a bycatch of the tuna and swordfish fisheries. Today, a directed longline fishery targets mahi. “Clipper” is a term used to denote the highest-quality mahimahi, usually frozen at sea. Occasionally, mahimahi reach 50 pounds, but 5 pounds is the average market weight.

Images and data provided by SeafoodSource. To view the entire Seafood Handbook, visit SeafoodSource.com.