Greater Amberjack vs Mahi-mahi
Seriola dumerili compared with Coryphaena hippurus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Seriola dumerili | Coryphaena hippurus |
| Order | Carangiformes | Carangiformes |
| Family | Carangidae | Coryphaenidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 210.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 80.6 kg | 40.0 kg |
| Color | Olive-green to bluish back with a wide amber to golden-yellow mid-lateral stripe running from eye to tail; silvery-white belly; a dark diagonal stripe extends from snout through the eye to the 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 | Greater Amberjack | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 1-385m | 0-85m |
| Geographic Range | Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters including the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Commonly found around deepwater reefs, rocky outcrops, and offshore oil … | 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 | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Greater Amberjack | Mahi-mahi |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Greater Amberjack
Firm, rich flesh with a moderately strong flavor; can carry parasites in tropical waters, requiring thorough cooking. Good grilled or baked; related to the highly prized Japanese hamachi.
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
Greater Amberjack
The greater amberjack is the largest of the jacks, known for brutal head-shaking fights and powerful dives toward structure. Found near reefs, wrecks, and offshore platforms in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
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.