Mahi-mahi vs Walleye
Coryphaena hippurus compared with Sander vitreus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Walleye |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coryphaena hippurus | Sander vitreus |
| Order | Carangiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Coryphaenidae | Percidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Walleye |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 210.0 cm | 107.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 40.0 kg | 11.3 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. | Golden-olive to brassy-yellow flanks with a mottled pattern of saddle-like dark blotches; distinctive white tip on lower tail lobe; large glassy eyes with reflective tapetum. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Walleye |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | 0-85m | 0-27m |
| 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 … | Native to Canada and the northern United States, including the Great Lakes basin and major river drainages such as the Missouri and Ohio rivers. Introduced … |
| Habitat | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs | Freshwater lakes and rivers of North America east of the Rockies, from Canada to Tennessee. Inhabits clear, deep lakes and large rivers over sand and … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Walleye |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| 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.
Walleye
Considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish; sweet, flaky white flesh with very low fat. Ideal pan-fried, battered, or baked — a North American culinary favorite.
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.
Walleye
The walleye is the largest member of the perch family and the most sought-after freshwater food fish in North America. Its reflective eyes give it exceptional low-light vision, making dawn and dusk prime feeding times.