Fish profile · Coryphaenidae
Mahi-mahi
Coryphaena hippurus
Mahi-mahi is a fast-growing ocean fish with green-blue upper sides and golden flanks. Smaller fish often gather near floating objects, including seaweed. It is sought for both sport and food, and Malaysia’s biodiversity records include it off Pahang.
Last reviewed 13 October 2026 · 5 sources
- Max length
- 213.4 cm
- Max weight
- 39.9 kg
- IUCN
- LC
- Least Concern
- In Malaysia
- Native
- Family
- Coryphaenidae
- order Perciformes
Category from the IUCN Red List, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0); it may lag the latest Red List assessment.
How big?
Linear scale · person 170 cm
Up to 213.4 cm and 39.9 kg.
Where in Malaysia
1 open-licence record · GBIF
- Recorded (open records)
Recorded in Terengganu. Based on 1 open-licence record on GBIF. Few records can mean few surveys, not few fish.
How to identify
- Green-blue back and golden or silvery lower sides
- Dark and light spots along the sides
- Adult males have a steep, squared forehead; females have a rounded profile
Habitat
Near-surface ocean water, with smaller fish frequently associated with floating seaweed or other objects.
- Diet
- Small pelagic fish, young tuna and invertebrates.
- Native range
- Tropical and subtropical ocean waters.
Eating
The flesh is lean and fairly firm, with a mild sweetness and large flakes; grilling and steaming are common preparations.
More photos
Sources
Last reviewed 13 October 2026