Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)

One of the most spectacularly coloured fish in the ocean — alive, it blazes electric blue, green and gold before fading to yellow after death. A prize offshore target for UAE sport anglers fishing FADs and blue water beyond the 100-metre line. Incredibly fast growing — reaching 1 kg in the first 3 months of life.

Species Stats

Diet

Flying fish, squid, small tuna, crustaceans

Habitat

Open ocean, offshore pelagic waters near floating objects and FADs

Local Name (Arabic)

دوراده / مهي مهي

Fun Facts

• 1

  The fastest-growing fish in the ocean — it can grow from egg to 1 metre in under a year.

• 2

  The vivid electric blue-green-gold colouration is produced by specialised pigment cells called chromatophores.

• 3

  Males (bulls) develop a distinctive vertical blunt forehead; females (cows) have a rounded head.

Research Papers

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