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Blue dolphin (Coryphaena equiselis) — Coryphaenidae

Blue dolphin

Coryphaena equiselis
Family: Coryphaenidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blue dolphin (Coryphaena equiselis) is a saltwater fish of the family Coryphaenidae that grows up to 146 cm.

Length
145.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–400.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The pompano dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis) is a fast pelagic predator of the family Coryphaenidae, closely related to the well-known mahi-mahi. The species has a streamlined, deep body with brilliant blue-green and golden hues and a long, continuous dorsal fin; adult males develop a blunt, high forehead. It reaches about 1.4 metres. It is an oceanic species that forms schools, follows boats and often stays under floating objects. It feeds on small fishes and squid. The fish grows very fast, is a prized sport fish and an excellent food fish marketed fresh.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue dolphin?

The Blue dolphin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Blue dolphin live?

The Blue dolphin lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Blue dolphin get?

The Blue dolphin grows to a maximum of about 146 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.

Is the Blue dolphin dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue dolphin is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue dolphin edible?

The Blue dolphin is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleine goudmakreel sourced
English name
Blue dolphin verified
Scientific name
Coryphaena equiselis
Family
Coryphaenidae
Other names
Dolphin; Lesser dolphin; Lesser dolphin-fish; Little dolphin verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
145.7 verified
Average length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
400.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
4.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Wordt op open zee getrold met kunstaas of natuurlijk aas, vaak rond drijvend wier en drijvende voorwerpen waar de scholen zich verzamelen. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Coryphaena

More from the family Coryphaenidae

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