08/25/2021
The Dorado, or "mahi-mahi" or "dolphinfish" is a surface-dwelling fish found in San Diego’s offshore waters.
By whatever name (we fondly call it DoDo for short), it is one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, known for its vibrant greens and blue that flash while jumping at the surface. Fun fact: Dorado can change the hue and luminosity of their skin. They have "chromatophores" in their skin that are connected to the fish's nervous system, which gives them the ability to change colors when they are excited and this is also the reason why their color fades when they die. For this reason alone you will never forget the first time you see one, it is truly a beautiful fish.
Dorado are abundant in summertime San Diego and are a sustainable option to target because they are a fast-growing, short-lived fish. Dorado only live for around five or six years and attain a maximum weight of around 80lbs. The IGFA world record Mahi Mahi was caught in 1976 off the coast of Costa Rica and it weighed in at 87lbs.
The males (referred to as ‘Bull Dorado’) are easy to identify because they have a conspicuously prominent, almost flat – forehead whereas the female’s forehead is subtly more round as it curves into their dorsal fin. Males are also typically larger than females, reaching up to approximately 80lbs. Most Dorado that have a weight over 25 pounds will be male.
Dorado are a beautiful sight when you swim up to a paddy with your spear and are one of the most fun fish to catch on rod and reel as well, they are acrobatic fish, and a have strong fighting game. They are arguably one of the best fish you can eat, and for this reason are very highly prized.
thanks for the awesome photos 📸
