In the Mediterranean island of Malta
The name mahimahi
means very strong in Hawaiian. In other languages, the fish is known
as dorade coryphene, dorado, dolphin, dradu, lampuga, llampuga, lampuka, lampuki, rakingo, calitos, ti-rone or maverikos.
The common English name
of dolphin causes much confusion. Additionally, two species of dolphin-fish exist, the common dolphin-fish (Coryphaena hippurus) and the pompano dolphin-fish (Coryphaena equiselis).
Both these species are commonly marketed by their Pacific name, mahi-mahi.
Being fish, they are not related to dolphins.
The fish is called
mahi-mahi in the Hawaiian language, and "mahi mahi" is
commonly used elsewhere.
In the Pacific and along
the English speaking coast of South Africa they are also commonly called by the
Spanish name, Dorado. In the Mediterranean island of Malta, this fish is
referred to as the lampuka.
Description
Mahi-mahi have
compressed bodies and a single long-based dorsal fin extending from the head
almost to the tail. Mature males have prominent foreheads protruding well
above the body proper. Females have a rounded head. Their caudal fins and anal
fins are sharply concave. They are distinguished by dazzling colors:
golden on the sides, and bright blues and greens on the sides and back. The
pectoral fins of the mahi-mahi are iridescent blue. The flank is broad and
golden. Out of the water, the fish often change color.
Mahi-mahi can live up to 5 years, although
they seldom exceed four. Females are usually smaller than males. Catches
average 7 to 13 kilograms and a meter in length. They rarely exceed 15
kilograms. Mahi-mahi are among the fastest-growing of fish. They spawn in warm
ocean currents throughout much of the year, and their young are commonly found
in rafts of Sargassum weeds. Mahi-mahi are carnivorous, feeding
on flying fish, crabs, squid, mackerel, and other forage
fish.
Males and females are sexually mature in their
first year, usually by 4–5 months old. Spawning can occur at body lengths of
20 cm. Females may spawn two to three times per year, and produce between
80,000 and 1,000,000 eggs per event. In waters averaging 28 °C/83 °F,
mahi-mahi larvae are found year-round, with greater numbers detected in spring
and fall. Mahi-mahi fish are mostly found in the surface water. Their
flesh is soft and oily, similar to sardines. The body is slightly slender and
long, making them fast swimmers; they can swim as fast as 50 knots.
Mahi-mahi can be found
in the Caribbean Sea, on the west coast of North and South America, the
Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic coast
of Florida and West Africa, South China Sea and Southeast
Asia, Hawaii, Tahiti and many other places worldwide.
The United States and
the Caribbean countries are the primary consumers of this fish, but
many European countries are increasing their consumption every year. It is a
popular eating fish in Australia, usually caught and sold as a by-product by
tuna and swordfish commercial fishing operators. Japan and Hawaii are
significant consumers.
In French Polynesia, fishermen use harpoons,
using a specifically designed boat, the poti marara, to pursue it, because mahi-mahi do not dive.
The poti marara is a
powerful motorized V-shaped boat, optimized for high agility and speed, and
driven with a stick so the pilot can hold his harpoon with his right hand. The
method is also practiced by fishermen in the Philippines, especially in the
northern province of Batanes, where the harpooning is called pagmamamataw.
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