Common Dolphinfish
Coryphaena hippurus
Common dolphinfish is a fast-growing, highly migratory pelagic fish found in warm oceans worldwide. It is a prized game fish and table fish, commonly encountered around floating structure, weed lines, and current edges.
Identification points
- Long, continuous dorsal fin running nearly the full body length with a high, sail-like front when raised
- Adult males are metallic blue-green with gold sides; females are usually smaller and more yellowish
- Deeply forked caudal fin and a blunt, squared-off forehead with a narrow body shape
Habitat
Epipelagic tropical and subtropical offshore waters, especially around floating Sargassum, flotsam, temperature breaks, current lines, weed edges, and sometimes fish aggregating devices or offshore buoys.
Bait notes
Small live baits such as pilchards, sardines, ballyhoo, and flying fish are effective, as are trolled feather jigs, skirted lures, cedar plugs, and small diving plugs. Surface poppers and stickbaits can work when fish are feeding high.
Behavior
Opportunistic surface predator that feeds on flying fish, small tuna, sardines, squid, and crustaceans. Often travels in schools when young, with larger fish more solitary or in small groups; aggressively attacks fast-moving prey and surface commotion.
Caution
Very sharp teeth and a hard, bony forehead can cause hand injuries when handling. Flesh is generally good eating but larger offshore fish can carry higher contaminant risk in some regions; observe local advisories and harvest regulations.
Fishing notes
Troll along weed lines, color changes, and current seams at moderate speed, or cast to visible fish and floating cover. Use light-to-medium trolling tackle, small hooks, and fluorocarbon leader; keep bait or lure moving quickly and retrieve immediately after strikes to prevent missed hookups.