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The Mahi-mahi is classified within the family Scombridae, which also includes tuna and mackerel.
Answer: False
The Mahi-mahi (*Coryphaena hippurus*) belongs to the family Coryphaenidae, not Scombridae. The Scombridae family includes fish such as tuna and mackerel.
The name "mahi-mahi" is derived from the Spanish word "dorado," meaning "golden," and refers to the fish's vibrant coloration.
Answer: False
While the Spanish name 'dorado' means 'golden' and refers to the fish's coloration, the name 'mahi-mahi' itself originates from the Hawaiian language, signifying 'very strong'.
The genus name *Coryphaena* originates from a Latin term signifying 'swift swimmer'.
Answer: False
The genus name *Coryphaena* is derived from the Greek word *koryphe*, meaning 'top' or 'apex,' not from a Latin term for 'swift swimmer'.
The designation 'lampuki' is commonly applied to Mahi-mahi within the Hawaiian archipelago.
Answer: False
The name 'lampuki' (or 'lampuga') is used for Mahi-mahi in Malta and Italy, respectively. In Hawaii, the fish is known as Mahi-mahi.
The common name 'dolphinfish' was adopted to differentiate the fish species from the marine mammal commonly referred to as a dolphin.
Answer: True
The term 'common dolphinfish' was indeed adopted to prevent confusion with the marine mammal dolphin, as the fish was historically also referred to simply as 'dolphin'.
The family Coryphaenidae, encompassing the Mahi-mahi, comprises a multitude of dolphinfish species.
Answer: False
The family Coryphaenidae is notably small, containing only two recognized species: *Coryphaena hippurus* (Mahi-mahi) and *Coryphaena equiselis* (pompano dolphinfish).
What is the scientific name of the Mahi-mahi?
Answer: *Coryphaena hippurus*
The scientific name of the Mahi-mahi is *Coryphaena hippurus*.
Which Hawaiian word, through reduplication, forms the name "mahi-mahi" and what does it signify?
Answer: "Mahi" meaning "very strong"
The name 'mahi-mahi' is derived from the Hawaiian language through reduplication, signifying 'very strong'.
Besides "Mahi-mahi," which of the following is another common name for *Coryphaena hippurus*, though it can also refer to a freshwater fish?
Answer: Dorado
The name 'dorado' is a common name for *Coryphaena hippurus*, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions, although it is also used for a freshwater fish species.
The genus name *Coryphaena* is derived from which ancient language and word?
Answer: Greek, meaning "top" or "apex"
The genus name *Coryphaena* is derived from the ancient Greek word *koryphe*, which signifies 'top' or 'apex'.
What is the significance of the Spanish name "dorado" when referring to Mahi-mahi?
Answer: It means "golden" and likely refers to the fish's coloration.
The Spanish appellation 'dorado,' translating to 'golden,' is frequently applied to the Mahi-mahi, strongly associated with the fish's vibrant coloration.
What is the meaning of the Hawaiian name "mahi-mahi"?
Answer: "Very strong"
The Hawaiian name 'mahi-mahi,' formed through reduplication, signifies 'very strong'.
The family Coryphaenidae, which includes the Mahi-mahi, is unique because:
Answer: It contains only two known members.
The family Coryphaenidae is notably small, containing only two recognized species: *Coryphaena hippurus* (Mahi-mahi) and *Coryphaena equiselis* (pompano dolphinfish).
Mature male Mahi-mahi are characterized by a rounded head shape, which is indistinguishable from that of females.
Answer: False
Mature male Mahi-mahi are distinctly identified by a prominent, hump-like forehead, a characteristic absent in females, who possess a more rounded head shape.
The coloration of the Mahi-mahi remains static throughout its life and exhibits no alteration subsequent to death.
Answer: False
Mahi-mahi are known for their vibrant, dynamic coloration which can change rapidly after death, typically fading to a yellow-grey hue.
Mahi-mahi are characterized by a slow growth rate and possess a typical lifespan extending to approximately 15 years.
Answer: False
Mahi-mahi are among the fastest-growing fish species and have a relatively short lifespan, rarely exceeding four years.
Mahi-mahi attain sexual maturity during their second year of life, typically between 10 to 12 months of age.
Answer: False
Mahi-mahi exhibit rapid development and reach sexual maturity quite early, usually within their first year, often by 4 to 5 months of age.
What is a key physical characteristic distinguishing mature male Mahi-mahi from females?
Answer: Males possess a prominent, hump-like forehead.
Mature male Mahi-mahi are readily distinguished by a pronounced, 'hump-like' forehead that develops with age and protrudes significantly, differentiating them from females.
How does the coloration of a Mahi-mahi typically change after it is removed from the water?
Answer: It displays rapid color changes before eventually fading to yellow-grey.
Upon removal from the water, Mahi-mahi exhibit rapid and dramatic color transformations, cycling through various vibrant hues before eventually settling into a muted yellow-grey palette post-mortem.
What is the typical maximum lifespan of a Mahi-mahi?
Answer: Rarely exceeding 4 years
Mahi-mahi possess a relatively short lifespan, typically living up to five years but rarely exceeding four.
Mahi-mahi are known for their rapid growth. At what age do they typically reach sexual maturity?
Answer: Between 4 to 5 months old
Mahi-mahi exhibit exceptionally rapid growth rates and typically achieve sexual maturity within their initial year of life, often as early as 4 to 5 months of age.
Mahi-mahi are exclusively found inhabiting the abyssal zones of tropical oceans.
Answer: False
Mahi-mahi are surface-dwelling fish found in offshore temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters worldwide, primarily inhabiting the photic zone, not exclusively deep-sea trenches.
The dietary intake of Mahi-mahi is exclusively composed of zooplankton found in surface waters.
Answer: False
Mahi-mahi are carnivorous predators with a diverse diet that includes flying fish, crabs, squid, mackerel, and other forage fish, in addition to zooplankton.
Mahi-mahi predominantly reside in the deepest oceanic regions, specifically the abyssal zone.
Answer: False
Mahi-mahi are surface-dwelling fish, typically found in the photic zone of offshore waters, rather than the abyssal zone.
Frigatebirds function as direct predators, actively hunting Mahi-mahi within the pelagic environment.
Answer: False
Frigatebirds do not prey on Mahi-mahi. Instead, their behavior near floating debris or weed lines can indicate the presence of Mahi-mahi, as they search for smaller prey associated with these areas.
Juvenile Mahi-mahi seek protection predominantly within deep-sea coral reef ecosystems.
Answer: False
Young Mahi-mahi are typically found in association with floating *Sargassum* weeds, which provide both protection and a food source, rather than deep-sea coral reefs.
Mahi-mahi possess the capability to achieve speeds of up to 50 knots, facilitating their pursuit of prey.
Answer: True
Mahi-mahi are exceptionally fast swimmers, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 knots (approximately 92.6 km/h or 57.5 mph), which is essential for effectively hunting their diverse pelagic prey.
Where are Mahi-mahi primarily found in the water column?
Answer: The surface waters, also known as the photic zone
Mahi-mahi are predominantly surface-dwelling fish, inhabiting the upper layers of the ocean, specifically the photic zone.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the source as part of a Mahi-mahi's diet?
Answer: Seaweed
Mahi-mahi are carnivorous predators with a diverse diet that includes flying fish, crabs, squid, mackerel, and other forage fish, in addition to zooplankton. Seaweed is not listed as part of their diet.
What role do frigatebirds play in relation to Mahi-mahi fishing?
Answer: Their behavior near debris indicates the likely presence of Mahi-mahi.
Frigatebirds' activity near floating debris or weed lines can serve as an indicator for fishermen, suggesting the potential presence of Mahi-mahi in the vicinity.
What role do *Sargassum* weeds play for young Mahi-mahi?
Answer: They offer protection and a source of food.
Juvenile Mahi-mahi are frequently observed within floating rafts of *Sargassum* seaweed, which serve as both a protective habitat and a source of food.
Upon cooking, Mahi-mahi flesh assumes a grey-white hue and possesses a pronounced, fishy flavor profile.
Answer: False
When cooked, Mahi-mahi flesh transforms into an appealing white color and is prized for its clean, non-fishy flavor.
Mahi-mahi are seldom sought after in recreational angling due to their diminutive size and limited capacity for struggle.
Answer: False
Mahi-mahi are highly valued in recreational fishing due to their striking appearance, substantial size, excellent food quality, and robust population numbers, making them a challenging and rewarding catch.
Anglers primarily locate Mahi-mahi by seeking out deep underwater canyons.
Answer: False
Fishermen typically locate Mahi-mahi by observing surface indicators such as floating debris like logs or weed lines, and the behavior of associated seabirds, rather than by searching for deep underwater canyons.
The "bait-and-switch" fishing technique for Mahi-mahi involves employing heavy bottom-fishing apparatus.
Answer: False
The 'bait-and-switch' technique for Mahi-mahi typically involves using teaser lures or chum to attract the fish into a feeding frenzy, after which a fly or lure is presented to the excited fish.
The initial phase of commercial Mahi-mahi fishing predominantly utilized specialized deep-sea netting techniques.
Answer: False
Commercial fishing for Mahi-mahi initially occurred primarily as bycatch in longline fisheries targeting species such as tuna and swordfish. Targeted commercial fishing developed later.
In French Polynesia, Mahi-mahi are traditionally captured utilizing handlines deployed from small outrigger canoes.
Answer: False
In French Polynesia, Mahi-mahi are primarily caught using harpoons from specialized, high-speed boats known as 'poti marara,' a method effective for surface-dwelling fish.
The 'poti marara' refers to a type of fishing net employed in French Polynesia for the capture of Mahi-mahi.
Answer: False
The 'poti marara' is not a net but a specialized, high-speed boat used in French Polynesia for harpooning Mahi-mahi.
What is the primary reason Mahi-mahi are highly valued in recreational fishing?
Answer: Their striking beauty, size, food quality, and healthy populations.
Mahi-mahi are highly esteemed by sport anglers due to their striking visual appeal, considerable size potential, exceptional culinary quality, and generally robust population status.
Which natural sign do experienced fishermen use to help locate Mahi-mahi?
Answer: Looking for floating debris like logs or weed lines
Experienced anglers frequently observe natural cues such as floating debris (logs, weed lines) to locate Mahi-mahi, as these fish often congregate near such objects.
In the "bait-and-switch" fishing technique described, what is the purpose of the initial step involving teaser lures or chum?
Answer: To attract Mahi-mahi into a feeding frenzy.
The 'bait-and-switch' technique involves initially using teaser lures or chum to stimulate Mahi-mahi into a feeding frenzy, thereby preparing them for the subsequent presentation of a fly or lure.
How did commercial fishing for Mahi-mahi initially occur?
Answer: As bycatch in fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish using longlines.
Historically, Mahi-mahi were primarily captured as bycatch within longline fisheries targeting species such as tuna and swordfish. Targeted commercial fishing developed later.
What is the "poti marara" mentioned in the context of French Polynesian fishing?
Answer: A specialized, high-speed boat used for harpooning.
The 'poti marara' is a specialized, high-speed boat utilized in French Polynesia for the harpooning of Mahi-mahi, designed for agility and speed.
What is the main purpose of the harpooning technique used with the "poti marara" boat in French Polynesia?
Answer: To effectively catch Mahi-mahi which do not typically dive deep.
The harpooning technique employed from the 'poti marara' is effective for Mahi-mahi because they are surface-dwelling fish that do not typically dive into deep waters.
According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program, all imported Mahi-mahi are designated as a 'best choice' for sustainable seafood consumption.
Answer: False
The Monterey Bay Aquarium classifies Mahi-mahi caught in the US Atlantic by troll or pole-and-line as 'best choice' or 'good alternative.' However, imported Mahi-mahi caught by longline are advised to be avoided due to sustainability concerns.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) categorizes Mahi-mahi as a 'high mercury' fish, advocating for its frequent consumption.
Answer: False
The NRDC classifies Mahi-mahi as a 'moderate mercury' fish, recommending limited consumption (six servings or fewer per month), not frequent consumption.
Ciguatera poisoning, a risk associated with Mahi-mahi consumption, results from elevated histamine levels in improperly stored fish.
Answer: False
Ciguatera poisoning is caused by toxins produced by marine microalgae (*Gambierdiscus toxicus*), not by histamine. High histamine levels in improperly stored fish cause scombroid food poisoning.
Scombroid food poisoning is attributed to toxins generated by the marine microalgae *Gambierdiscus toxicus*.
Answer: False
Scombroid food poisoning is caused by high levels of histamine in fish, resulting from bacterial action on histidine in improperly stored fish. The marine microalgae *Gambierdiscus toxicus* produces toxins responsible for ciguatera poisoning.
The onset of symptoms associated with scombroid food poisoning typically occurs several hours subsequent to the ingestion of contaminated Mahi-mahi.
Answer: False
Symptoms of scombroid food poisoning usually manifest rapidly, appearing within 10 to 60 minutes after consuming contaminated fish.
The Mahi-mahi (*Coryphaena hippurus*) is classified as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List, signifying a robust and widely distributed population.
Answer: True
The 'Least Concern' designation by the IUCN indicates that the Mahi-mahi population is widespread and abundant, and not currently facing significant threats that would place it at high risk of extinction.
Mahi-mahi flesh is inherently dangerous due to high levels of natural toxins, irrespective of post-capture handling and storage conditions.
Answer: False
While ciguatera toxins are naturally present and accumulate over time, scombroid poisoning is dependent on improper storage conditions that allow histamine to build up. Not all Mahi-mahi flesh is inherently dangerous regardless of handling.
According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which method of catching Mahi-mahi is considered a "good alternative" for sustainability?
Answer: Mahi-mahi caught by troll or pole-and-line
The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program rates Mahi-mahi caught by troll or pole-and-line methods as a 'good alternative' for sustainability.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) advises limiting consumption of Mahi-mahi due to its moderate levels of which substance?
Answer: Mercury
The NRDC classifies Mahi-mahi as a 'moderate mercury' fish, recommending limited consumption due to its mercury content.
Ciguatera poisoning, a risk associated with consuming certain fish like Mahi-mahi, is caused by:
Answer: Toxins produced by a marine microalgae.
Ciguatera poisoning is caused by toxins produced by a specific marine microalgae species, *Gambierdiscus toxicus*, which accumulate in the fish's tissues.
Scombroid food poisoning is linked to high levels of which substance in fish?
Answer: Histamine
Scombroid food poisoning is caused by high levels of histamine in fish, resulting from bacterial action on histidine in improperly stored fish.
Which of the following is a common symptom of scombroid food poisoning?
Answer: Blurred vision
Common symptoms of scombroid food poisoning include flushed skin, headache, itchiness, blurred vision, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea.
What does the IUCN conservation status "Least Concern" imply for the Mahi-mahi?
Answer: The species is widespread and abundant, not currently at high risk of extinction.
The 'Least Concern' conservation status, as determined by the IUCN, signifies that the Mahi-mahi population is sufficiently widespread and abundant to not be currently facing a high risk of extinction.
Which of the following fish species is NOT mentioned in the source as being commonly associated with scombroid food poisoning?
Answer: Salmon
The source lists tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, herring, bluefish, amberjack, and marlin as species commonly associated with scombroid food poisoning. Salmon is not mentioned in this context.
What does the Monterey Bay Aquarium recommend regarding imported Mahi-mahi caught by longline?
Answer: It should be avoided due to sustainability concerns.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program advises consumers to avoid imported Mahi-mahi caught using longline gear due to sustainability concerns.
Which of the following is a potential severe symptom of scombroid food poisoning?
Answer: Breathing difficulties
In rare instances, scombroid food poisoning can progress to more severe symptoms, including respiratory distress, akin to allergic asthma, and cardiac arrhythmias.