Mahi-mahi vs Red Snapper
Coryphaena hippurus compared with Lutjanus campechanus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coryphaena hippurus | Lutjanus campechanus |
| Order | Carangiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Coryphaenidae | Lutjanidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 210.0 cm | 100.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 40.0 kg | 22.8 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. | Uniform rosy-red to brick-red over the entire body and fins; belly slightly paler pink-red; juveniles may show a dark spot at the lateral line below the anterior dorsal fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-85m | 10-190m |
| 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 North Carolina to Yucatan, concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Associates with rocky reefs, artificial structures, and hard-bottom habitat … |
| Habitat | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs | Neritic, coral reefs |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Red Snapper |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| 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 Snapper
Moist, sweet white flesh with a nutty undertone and firm texture. Prized for whole roasting, pan-searing, and ceviche; a cornerstone of Gulf Coast and Caribbean cuisines.
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 Snapper
The red snapper is one of the most commercially valuable reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. With its distinctive rose-red body and pointed anal fin, it inhabits rocky reefs and artificial structures at depths of 10-190 meters.