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Mahimahi

Sushi name(s): None
Mahimahi

Mahimahi/Bull dolphin, © Amadeo Bachar

At a glance

Eco-rating Mercury Omega-3s
+-Mahimahi (U.S. troll/pole)
Best
Moderate

MORE ABOUT MAHIMAHI

The dolphinfish, or mahimahi, with its crested, round head resembles a dolphin. Males are strikingly colored in a mix of gold, metallic blue and green, with a white and yellow belly. Dolphinfish grow to over 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length but usually live only up to 5 years. The fish may contain ciguatoxin, which causes illness.

Commercial Sources

Mahimahi are found worldwide in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian Oceans.

The main source of mahimahi is Japan, followed by Brazil and Pakistan. Mahimahi sold in the U.S. market are primarily from Ecuador, Taiwan and Costa Rica.

Capture Methods

Mahimahi come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with troll lines and longlines. Additional types of fishing gear include purse seines and drift nets.
+-Mahimahi (imported troll/pole)
OK
Moderate

MORE ABOUT MAHIMAHI

The dolphinfish, or mahimahi, with its crested, round head resembles a dolphin. Males are strikingly colored in a mix of gold, metallic blue and green, with a white and yellow belly. Dolphinfish grow to over 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length but usually live only up to 5 years. The fish may contain ciguatoxin, which causes illness.

Commercial Sources

Mahimahi are found worldwide in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian Oceans.

The main source of mahimahi is Japan, followed by Brazil and Pakistan. Mahimahi sold in the U.S. market are primarily from Ecuador, Taiwan and Costa Rica.

Capture Methods

Mahimahi come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with troll lines and longlines. Additional types of fishing gear include purse seines and drift nets.
+-Mahimahi (U.S. longline)
OK
Moderate

MORE ABOUT MAHIMAHI

The dolphinfish, or mahimahi, with its crested, round head resembles a dolphin. Males are strikingly colored in a mix of gold, metallic blue and green, with a white and yellow belly. Dolphinfish grow to over 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length but usually live only up to 5 years. The fish may contain ciguatoxin, which causes illness.

Commercial Sources

Mahimahi are found worldwide in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian Oceans.

The main source of mahimahi is Japan, followed by Brazil and Pakistan. Mahimahi sold in the U.S. market are primarily from Ecuador, Taiwan and Costa Rica.

Capture Methods

Mahimahi come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with troll lines and longlines. Additional types of fishing gear include purse seines and drift nets.
+-Mahimahi (imported, longline)
Worst
Moderate

MORE ABOUT MAHIMAHI

The dolphinfish, or mahimahi, with its crested, round head resembles a dolphin. Males are strikingly colored in a mix of gold, metallic blue and green, with a white and yellow belly. Dolphinfish grow to over 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length but usually live only up to 5 years. The fish may contain ciguatoxin, which causes illness.

Commercial Sources

Mahimahi are found worldwide in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian Oceans.

The main source of mahimahi is Japan, followed by Brazil and Pakistan. Mahimahi sold in the U.S. market are primarily from Ecuador, Taiwan and Costa Rica.

Capture Methods

Mahimahi come from marine fisheries, not fish farms. They are primarily caught with troll lines and longlines. Additional types of fishing gear include purse seines and drift nets.

These ratings are provided in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program, © 1999-2018 Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation

Recommended servings per month

Contaminant Men Women Kids 6-12 Kids 0-5
Mahimahi (imported, longline) Mercury 4+ 4+ 4+ 3
Mahimahi (imported troll/pole) Mercury 4+ 4+ 4+ 3
Mahimahi (U.S. longline) Mercury 4+ 4+ 4+ 3
Mahimahi (U.S. troll/pole) Mercury 4+ 4+ 4+ 3

This chart shows how much can safely be eaten each MONTH (assuming no other contaminated fish is consumed). The advice is based on EPA guidance and the latest mercury data. More on contaminants »

Eco details: 

Mahimahi (also known as Mahi) populations are resilient to fishing since they grow quickly, spawn frequently, and have large ranges. These fish are caught with hook and line (low bycatch) and longlines (high bycatch). The U.S. South Atlantic fishery has shown welcome initiative to establish management for this species, which is largely unregulated elsewhere.