DolphinfishThe Dolphinfish ( Also known as Dorado) is pelagic, schooling, and migratory. It is basically a deep-water species, inhabiting the surface of the open ocean. The Dolphinfish is a distinctive fish, both for its shape and its colours. Though it is among the most colourful fish in the sea, the colours are quite variable and defy an accurate, simple description. Generally, the Dolphinfish is rich iridescent blue or blue green dorsally; gold, bluish gold, or silvery gold on the lower flanks; and silvery white or yellow on the belly. The sides are sprinkled with a mixture of dark and light spots, ranging from black or blue to golden. The dorsal fin is rich blue, and the anal fin is golden or silvery. The other fins are generally golden-yellow, edged with blue.
Large males have high, vertical foreheads, while the female's forehead is rounded. Males grow larger than females.
They are extremely fast swimmers and feed extensively on flying fish, squid and other small fish. They have a particular affinity for swimming beneath buoys, seaweed, logs, and floating objects of almost any kind. |
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Hooked Dolphin may leap or tailwalk, darting first in one direction, then another. It is believed that they can reach speeds up to 50 mph (80.5 kph) in short bursts. Successful fishing methods include trolling surface baits (Flying Fish, Mullet, Balao, Squid, strip baits) or artificial lures; also live bait fishing or casting. If the first Dolphin caught is kept in the water, it will usually hold the school, and often others will come near enough to be caught by casting.
In addition to being a highly rated game fish, the Dolphin is a delicious food fish. It is referred to as the “Dolphinfish” to distinguish it from the Dolphin of the porpoise family, which is a mammal and in no way related.
In addition to being a highly rated game fish, the Dolphin is a delicious food fish. It is referred to as the “Dolphinfish” to distinguish it from the Dolphin of the porpoise family, which is a mammal and in no way related.
Fish data extract from INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH ASSOCIATION
