Pompano Dolphinfish (Corypheana equiselis)

Common names: chicken dolphin, pompano mahi, chicken mahi, dorado

Habitat/distribution: The pompano dolphin is a little-studied fish, and has been reported much less frequently than the common dolphin (mahi mahi- Coryphaena hippurus).   This is probably due to the fact that the pompano dolphin is usually mistaken for a juvenile or female common dolphin.

Method of harvest: usually taken with handlines incidental to vermilion and tuna fishing.

Size: Usually from one to four pounds. Rarely (never?) beyond ten pounds.

Season/availability: Pompano dolphins are fished year-round, with the most catches coming in warmer months. Few are landed per boat even then.  

Cooking characteristics: The meat of the pompano dolphin is obviously very similar to the common dolphin, though with a smaller and more compact flake. A very good food fish. Given the size of the fish, one fillet is used as a serving. They also make a rather unique whole fish, whether roasted or fried.