Dolphin Other common names: Dolphin fish, Dorado, pompano Maximum weight: 45kg (100lbs) Current I.G.F.A all time record: 39.91kg (88lb) - Exuma, Bahamas - 5 May, 1998 Identifying features: One of the most stunningly beautiful fish in the ocean. The long dorsal fin is generally black/bright blue with lavender/cobalt blue/green spots. Upper body is the brightest green with streaks of cobalt blue and lavender. Sides can be green or bright yellow. Lower body can be silver white or yellow. The color variations are endless. Every Mahi Mahi you catch you will find some color variation in some way. These colors fade in death. The male of the species has a large blunt head (the graphic above is a male) while the females head is rounder. The Pompano (C. Equisetis) has a tongue which is covered in what could be called teeth. The C.Hippurus is void of this characteristic. The Pompano also has fewer dorsal rays; 48 - 55 where the Mahi Mahi has 55- 65. Expected temperature range: 68° F to 86° F (20° C to 30° C) Size, Migration and breeding: One of the quickest growing species in the ocean and lives for no more than 5 years. This makes it an ideal species for farming. The Japanese have had a great success with this. Aqua culture carried out at the Honolulu Aquarium in Hawaii has also been extremely successful. Mahi Mahi are highly efficient feeders and convert approximately 90% of what they eat into body growth. They can grow from matchstick size to over 3kg (6lb) which is about 70cm (28") in under 6 months! This growth rate may not be reflected in the natural world as the fish have to hunt and capture their food.