DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

CORYPHAENIDAE (MAHIMAHI)

Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus
(Dolphinfish; Mahimahi)
FL: 175 cm; Wt: 39.5 kg (IGFA all-tackle record) (photo: 124 cm FL, Ritidian)

Mahimahi are surface-dwelling fish of the open sea which are often found near floating objects which attract and shelter the small fishes on which they feed.  They feed heavily on flyingfishes which are followed, even when in flight, and seized as they drop back into the water.  Other fishes, pelagic cephalopods, and crustaceans are also eaten.  Mahimahi are migratory and thus seasonal in Guam’s waters, although a few may be found throughout the year.  They are most abundant from February to April, then apparently move north to southern Japan where they spawn in mid-summer.  Males develop a vertical head profile as they mature.

CIRCUMTROPICAL: All seas warmer than 22°C (72°F).