Mahi-mahi vs Summer Flounder
Coryphaena hippurus compared with Paralichthys dentatus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coryphaena hippurus | Paralichthys dentatus |
| Order | Carangiformes | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family | Coryphaenidae | Paralichthyidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 210.0 cm | 94.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 40.0 kg | 12.0 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. | Eyed side is brownish to gray-green with a mottled pattern of pale blotches; 12–14 distinct pale-edged dark ocelli (eyespots) scattered across the body; blind side is plain white; color changes with substrate. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 0-85m | 10-183m |
| 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 Nova Scotia south to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Undertakes seasonal offshore migration to deeper Continental Shelf waters in … |
| Habitat | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs | Neritic, demersal, estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Summer Flounder |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 4/10 |
| 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.
Summer Flounder
Thin, delicate white fillets with a sweet, mild flavor and very low fat. Prized on the U.S. East Coast; superb pan-fried in butter, stuffed and baked, or prepared as ceviche.
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.
Summer Flounder
The summer flounder, or fluke, is a flatfish that lies camouflaged on the ocean floor. Born with eyes on both sides, one eye migrates to the left side during development. An ambush predator, it explodes upward to grab passing prey.