Dolphinfishes or dorados are the common names for the members of the Coryphaenidae family. The family members are distinguished by having a steep forehead profile, deeply forked caudal fin, and very long dorsal and anal fin base. Their single dorsal fin originates on the head and extends over nearly the full length of the body. Their anal fin originates about midpoint of body and extends almost to caudal fin.
Members of the Coryphaenidae are found in the tropical and subtropical of Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean. They are excellent food fishes and good sports fishes. Dolphinfishes inhabit the surface of the open oceans as well as the coastal waters feeding on small fishes, crustaceans and squids. They frequently form schools. They are frequently caught using floating lines and trolling.
There is only a single genus and 2 or 3 species worldwide. 2 species are found in Malaysia.
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Scientific Name: Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758 English Name: Common Dolphinfish, Mahi Mahi, Dorado Mandarin Name: 鲯鳅 (Qí qiū), 飞虎鱼 (Fēi hǔ yú), 鬼头刀 (Guǐ tóu dāo) Local Malay Name: Ikan Belitong, Belitung, Belitong Lumba Local Hokkien: Kui Tau Tor Main Diagnostic Features: Greatest body depth in adults less than 25% of standard length. Concave anal fin extending from anus almost to caudal fin. Pectoral fins more than 1/2 of head length. Size: Maximum total length 210 cm, commonly to 100 cm.      |