Products | Fresh and Frozen | Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi

(Corphaena hippurus)

Physical characteristics: The Mahi Mahi is a brightly colored fish with a electric blue back turning to a body of glistening silver, gold, green and blue hues. The Mahi Mahi is also known as Dorado or Dolphin fish. However they should not be confused with Dolphins as they are not mammals and are in no way related to them. The average size of Mahi Mahi is between 5 and 15 lbs. but at times can be as large as 50 lbs. The meat color ranges from pink to light tan which will turn an off white when cooked.

Seasonality: Product is available year-round.

Major catch areas: The Mahi Mahi is found in tropical and sub-tropical waters around the world. Fresh Mahi Mahi is caught in the U.S. waters of Hawaii and Florida in the late spring or early summer. Most frozen imports are from Ecuador, Taiwan, Japan and Peru.

Harvest method: Most Mahi Mahi is caught by long-line which targets this species but it also is caught as a by-catch of the swordfish and tuna fisheries.

Product forms:

• Fresh: Most fresh product is sold as head and gutted (H&G) or skin on/off, boneless fillets or steaks.
• Frozen: Most frozen product is sold as skin-on, boneless fillets.
• Value-added: Frozen skin on/off, boneless steaks come in 4,6,8 and 10 oz. sizes with a variance of one ounce. Most common are steaks, packed in vacuum pouches or the steaks can be in an IQF bulk pack with the same grading as above.

Flavor/texture profile: Mahi Mahi has a sweet mild flavor with a firm texture and large flakes.

Notes: Mahi Mahi is very susceptible to the occurrence of Histamines. Histamines are organic substances released in the body of Mahi Mahi after harvesting. Histamine development will be arrested if the fish is properly iced or frozen.