Mahi-mahi vs Striped Bass
Coryphaena hippurus compared with Morone saxatilis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coryphaena hippurus | Morone saxatilis |
| Order | Carangiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Coryphaenidae | Moronidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 210.0 cm | 200.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 40.0 kg | 57.0 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. | Silvery-white flanks with 7–8 continuous dark horizontal stripes running from gill plate to tail; back is olive-gray to greenish; belly white; spiny and soft dorsal fins separate and dusky. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater & Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-85m | 30-?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 … | Atlantic coast of North America from the St. Lawrence River south to the Gulf of Mexico. Anadromous; spawns in freshwater rivers like the Chesapeake Bay … |
| Habitat | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs | Estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Striped Bass |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Striped Bass
Sweet, tender white flesh with moderate fat and a clean ocean flavor. Highly regarded on the East Coast; superb roasted whole, grilled as fillets, or pan-seared with butter.
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.
Striped Bass
The striped bass is an anadromous species native to the Atlantic coast of North America. It migrates seasonally along the coast and up rivers to spawn, providing exceptional fishing from surf, boat, and shore.