Common Snook vs Mahi-mahi
Centropomus undecimalis compared with Coryphaena hippurus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Common Snook | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropomus undecimalis | Coryphaena hippurus |
| Order | Carangaria/misc | Carangiformes |
| Family | Centropomidae | Coryphaenidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Common Snook | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 140.0 cm | 210.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 24.3 kg | 40.0 kg |
| Color | Pale golden-olive to grayish-brown back with silvery flanks; a bold black lateral stripe runs from the operculum to the tail; belly pale yellow-white; fins are yellowish with a dusky posterior dorsal fin. | Dazzling iridescent blue-green and gold flanks; males have a blunt squared-off head; flanks flicker golden-yellow to electric blue when alive, fading to dull gray-green at death. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Common Snook | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | ?-22m | 0-85m |
| Geographic Range | Western Atlantic from South Carolina south through the Gulf of Mexico, entire Caribbean, and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Central America to Brazil. … | Worldwide in tropical and subtropical oceanic waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. Highly pelagic; gathers around floating sargassum mats, current lines, and thermocline … |
| Habitat | Neritic, estuaries | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Common Snook | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Common Snook
Sweet, firm white flesh with a mild, clean flavor; low fat and large flakes. Highly regarded as table fare in Florida and the Caribbean; excellent grilled, blackened, or pan-seared.
Mahi-mahi
Firm, slightly sweet flesh with large, moist flakes and low fat. Excellent grilled, blackened Cajun-style, or in tacos; one of the most popular sport fish for the table.
Species Overview
Common Snook
The common snook is a prized inshore game fish found in tropical western Atlantic waters. It is highly sensitive to cold water and cannot survive temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius. Its lateral line is distinctive — a bold black stripe.
Mahi-mahi
The mahi-mahi, also known as dorado or dolphinfish, is among the most colorful pelagic fish in the ocean. Its iridescent blue, green, and gold body fades rapidly after death. It is a fast-growing species, rarely living beyond five years.