Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

Dolphin

DOLPHIN - Coryphaena hippurus Family Coryphaenidae, DOLPHINS

Other Names: Mahi-mahi, Dorado, Grasshoppers
Description: bright greenish blue above, yellow on sides, with capability of flashing purple, chartreuse, and a wide range of other colors; body tapers sharply from head to tail; irregular blue or golden blotches scattered over sides; anterior profile of head on adult males is nearly vertical; head of females more sloping; the single dark dorsal fin extends from just behind the head to the tail; anal fin margin concave and extending to tail.
Similar fish: pompano dolphin, C. equisetis; the pompano dolphin has squarish tooth patch on tongue (oval tooth patch on dolphin) and fewer dorsal rays (48 to 55 vs. 55 to 65 on dolphin).
Where found: OFFSHORE in warm waters.
Size: common to 30 pounds.
Remarks: one of the fastest-growing fish, thought to live no more than 5 years; swimming speed estimated at 50 knots; spawns in warm oceanic currents throughout much of the year; young found in sargassum weed; feeds on flying fish and squid. It is a popular gamefish because it tends to tailwalk and get airborne when hooked. Dolphin will strike just about any natural bait and artificial bait that is trolled. Dolphin tend to hang out around floating debris such as boards, palm trees and fronds, or Sargasso weed lines.