Mahi-mahi vs Zebra Danio
Coryphaena hippurus compared with Danio rerio
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Zebra Danio |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coryphaena hippurus | Danio rerio |
| Order | Carangiformes | Cypriniformes |
| Family | Coryphaenidae | Danionidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Zebra Danio |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 210.0 cm | 5.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 40.0 kg | 0.001 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. | Silver to pale gold body with five continuous horizontal royal-blue stripes running from gill to tail tip, including through the fins; belly silvery-white; fins clear with blue-gold striping. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Zebra Danio |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | 0-85m | — |
| 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 the Ganges and Brahmaputra river basins of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. Inhabits fast-flowing hill streams, rice paddies, and shallow ponds across the … |
| Habitat | Neritic, pelagic, coral reefs | Fast-flowing, clear mountain streams of the Ganges-Brahmaputra region, India and Bangladesh. Clean, well-oxygenated, shallow water with sandy and gravelly substrate (18-26°C). Lab model organism. |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Zebra Danio |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | — | 40 L |
| Temperature | — | 18-24 |
| pH Range | — | 6.0-8.0 |
| Care Level | — | Easy |
| Temperament | — | Peaceful |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Mahi-mahi | Zebra Danio |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | No |
| Fight Rating | 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.
Zebra Danio
Not consumed — a hardy ornamental aquarium fish notable for its horizontal blue-silver stripes and active schooling behavior; also a widely used laboratory model organism.
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.
Zebra Danio
The zebrafish is a small cyprinid native to South Asia's freshwater streams. Its distinctive blue-and-gold horizontal stripes and hardy nature make it a popular aquarium fish. It is also the most widely used vertebrate model organism in genetic research.