Distribution:

Atlantic, Indian and Pacific: in tropical and subtropical waters. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal softrays (total): 58-66; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft-rays: 25-31; Vertebrates: 31-31. Greatest body depth in adults less than 25% of standard length; tooth patch on tongue small and oval; single dorsal fin extending from above eye almost to caudal fin with 58-66 rays; a concave anal fin extending from anus almost to caudal fin; pectoral fin more than half of head length. Caudal vertebrae usually 18. Mature males posses a prominent bony crest in front of the head. The color is striking with golden hues on the sides, metallic blues and greens on the back and sides, with white and yellow on the underparts. Small specimens have pronounced vertical bars on the sides of the body.

Biology:

Found in open waters but also near the coast. Forms schools. Feeds on almost all forms of fish and zooplankton; also takes crustaceans and squid.Sexual maturity is reached in 4-5 months (3 for captive fish). Spawns in the open sea and probably approximate to the coast when water temperature rises. Attracting devices such as floating bundles of bamboo reeds or cork planks are used to concentrate dolphinfish before the nets are set. Marketed frozen and fresh and is of high value.

Max. size: 210.0 cm

Max.weight: 40 Kg

Environment: pelagic; depth range 0 - 85 m

Climate: subtropical; 21 - 30°C; 35°N - 35°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Dorado