Mahi-mahi vs Red Drum
Coryphaena hippurus compared with Sciaenops ocellatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coryphaena hippurus | Sciaenops ocellatus |
| Order | Carangiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Coryphaenidae | Sciaenidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 210.0 cm | 155.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 40.0 kg | 45.0 kg |
| Color | 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. | Coppery-bronze to reddish-orange flanks with a characteristic black eyespot at the upper tail base; back is darker bronze-olive; belly pale to silvery; fins match body tone with dusky margins. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-85m | 10-?m |
| Geographic Range | 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 … | Western North Atlantic from Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Adults favor open nearshore reefs and coastal surf zones while juveniles inhabit … |
| Habitat | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs | Estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Red Drum |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
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.
Red Drum
Firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and moderate fat; smaller fish (under 27 inches) are the best table size. Famous as 'blackened redfish' — a Louisiana Cajun culinary classic.
Species Overview
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.
Red Drum
The red drum, or redfish, is an iconic inshore game fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Identified by the distinctive black spot at the base of its tail, it feeds by tipping head-down in shallow water, exposing its copper-colored tail.