Mahi-mahi vs Yellow Perch
Coryphaena hippurus compared with Perca flavescens
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coryphaena hippurus | Perca flavescens |
| Order | Carangiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Coryphaenidae | Percidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 210.0 cm | 50.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 40.0 kg | 1.9 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. | Bright golden-yellow body with 6–8 broad dark olive-green vertical saddle-bars; belly pale yellow to white; paired and anal fins are vivid orange to red; two separate dorsal fins, the first dark-spined. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Brackish |
| Depth Range | 0-85m | 0-56m |
| 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 freshwater and slightly brackish lakes and rivers of central and eastern Canada and the northern United States, including all five Great Lakes. Abundant … |
| Habitat | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs | Estuaries |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Yellow Perch |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 3/10 |
| 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.
Yellow Perch
Sweet, clean white flesh with very low fat and a delicate texture; among the most prized freshwater eating fish in the Great Lakes region. Best pan-fried or sautéed simply in 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.
Yellow Perch
The yellow perch is a schooling fish found in lakes and slow rivers across North America. Its golden-yellow body with dark vertical bars is unmistakable. Its sweet, firm white flesh makes it one of the finest-tasting freshwater fish.