Dolphin, a.k.a. Mahi-Mahi,  Coryphaena hippurus, is an important fishery species in tropical and temperate waters worldwide.

Dolphin, Coryphaena hippurus, is an important fishery species in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Dolphin, also known as mahi mahi, are usually found well offshore, but can occur within a few miles of the coast when winds blow steadily onshore or the Gulf Stream is close to shore. Dolphin can be caught along Florida's coastline, but are concentrated in the southeast region of the state. At times, schools of smaller dolphin can be found congregating beneath any object floating in the water such as wood or mats of Sargassum weed. Larger males tend to be more solitary. Dolphin are considered to be dimorphic, males and females differing in appearance, because the males develop a large, bony crest on their forehead but females do not. The dolphin's brilliant color patterns of blues, greens, and yellow, its fierce fighting ability once hooked, and excellent table fare make them a high profile fish species in Florida.

Since 1986, Florida's anglers (both commercial and recreational) have landed between 5.65 and 17.0 million pounds of dolphin annually. Florida's commercial fishery alone had an ex-vessel value of 1.5-2.0 million US$ annually, but this represents less than 10% of Florida's total dolphin landings (in pounds). Dolphin are the top species targeted by Florida Atlantic coast anglers interviewed by the Marine Recreational Fishery Statistical Survey, making this much larger recreational fishery arguably one of the most valuable fisheries to the state of Florida.

The life cycle of dolphin is quite remarkable. Dolphin are extremely fast growing, but short-lived. Most dolphin only live a year or two, but the oldest fish can live up to around 4 years of age. Maximum size attained by can be up to 5 or 6 feet (1.7 meters) and almost 90 lbs (40 kg). Dolphin fuel this fast growth rate, in excess of 3 feet in the first year, by eating mostly fish, particularly flying fish, mackerels, jacks, leatherjackets and occasionally other dolphin. Dolphin are also capable of spawning during their first year of growth and may reproduce several times during a single spawning season.