The mahi-mahi (Cotyphaena hippurus), also known as dolphin or dorado, is one of the most beautiful fish in the sea; brilliantly colored with an iridescent bluish green and gold body, and golden yellow fins and tail. The mahi-mahi should not be confused with the mammal called dolphin. One distinguishing characteristic between mature males and females, the male has a very rounded head profile and the female's head slopes down to the mouth.

One of the fastest swimming fish in the sea, they prefer the warmer tropical and subtropical waters of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Gulf Coast of Florida. Their spawning season extends from late spring through early summer. Mahi-mahi feed off shore, near the surface, on small fish, shrimp, squid, and crabs and are commercially harvested by hook-and-line.

Firm texture, light, sweetly moist meat with solid flake and moderate flavor. Extra lean fish.

Substitutes: Amberjack, Mullet, Pompano, Farm-raised Catfish, Grouper, Tuna.