Great Barracuda vs Mahi-mahi
Sphyraena barracuda compared with Coryphaena hippurus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sphyraena barracuda | Coryphaena hippurus |
| Order | Perciformes | Carangiformes |
| Family | Sphyraenidae | Coryphaenidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 210.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 50.0 kg | 40.0 kg |
| Color | Steel-gray to dark gunmetal-blue back with a pale silvery-white belly; scattered irregular dark blotches on the lower flanks; tail fin is grayish with whitish tips on both lobes. | 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 | Great Barracuda | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-100m | 0-85m |
| Geographic Range | Circumtropical in shallow coastal waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Frequents coral reefs, seagrass beds, and estuaries from Florida and the Caribbean to … | 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 | Pelagic, coral reefs, estuaries | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Great Barracuda | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Great Barracuda
Firm, lean white flesh with a mild flavor when small; larger individuals risk ciguatera fish poisoning and are generally avoided. Smaller fish eaten grilled or fried in the Caribbean.
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
Great Barracuda
The great barracuda is a fearsome-looking predator found in tropical and subtropical oceans. With its torpedo-shaped body, pronounced underbite, and fang-like teeth, it can strike prey at speeds exceeding 58 km/h.
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.