Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do dolphinfish catch fast-moving flying fishes?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
perciform
Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus orientalis) in the waters near Japan.
The dolphinfish (Coryphaena), also known as mahi-mahi, relies on its high swimming speed to capture fast-moving prey such as flying fishes (Exocoetidae).1
While flying fishes use their ability to glide above the water surface as a primary defense mechanism to escape predators, the dolphinfish utilizes its own superior speed to pursue and catch them. It is important to note that the term "dolphinfish" refers to a type of fish and should not be confused with dolphins, which are aquatic mammals (cetaceans) that use different physiological mechanisms for locomotion.123