Great White Shark vs Mahi-mahi
Carcharodon carcharias compared with Coryphaena hippurus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Great White Shark | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Carcharodon carcharias | Coryphaena hippurus |
| Order | Lamniformes | Carangiformes |
| Family | Lamnidae | Coryphaenidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Great White Shark | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 600.0 cm | 210.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 1905.0 kg | 40.0 kg |
| Color | Classic countershaded coloration: slate-gray to charcoal-brown dorsal surface with a sharply defined boundary to a pure white ventral surface; pectoral fin tips dusky to black. | 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 White Shark | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-1280m | 0-85m |
| Geographic Range | Cosmopolitan in cool to warm coastal and offshore waters of all major oceans. Key aggregation sites include South Africa, California, South Australia, and New Zealand. … | 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 | Great White Shark | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 7/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Great White Shark
Edible but rarely consumed; flesh requires careful handling to remove ammonia. Consumption is strongly discouraged — this species is Vulnerable and protected in many jurisdictions.
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 White Shark
The great white shark is the world's largest predatory fish. Found in coastal surface waters of all major oceans, it can detect a single drop of blood in 100 liters of water. Despite its fearsome reputation, attacks on humans are rare.
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.