Depth
Coryphaena · Bony Fish

Common Dolphinfish

Coryphaena hippurus

0-85m
Depth Range
200cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-85m
Depth Range
200cm
Max Size
Pelagic
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Small groups
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Coryphaena
Species hippurus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationLarge, fast pelagic fish with a distinctive blunt, square forehead in males (females have a more rounded head). Vivid colours: golden-yellow flanks, blue-green back, and scattered dark spots. Single long dorsal fin running from head to tail.
  • SizeUp to 200 cm total length and 40 kg, commonly 60 to 100 cm.
  • Social HabitOften found in small schools near the surface, particularly around floating objects, buoys, and drifting seaweed.
  • HabitatOpen ocean surface waters. Strongly attracted to floating debris and fish aggregation devices.
  • DepthSurface to 85 m, primarily in the top 10 m.
  • Feeds OnFlying fish, small pelagic fish, squid, and crustaceans caught at high speed near the surface.
  • DistributionWorldwide in tropical and subtropical seas, including the Mediterranean Sea during warmer months.
  • DescriptionOne of the most brilliantly coloured fish in the sea, the dolphinfish dazzles with gold, blue, and green hues that fade rapidly after death. It is among the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, reaching sexual maturity in under a year. In Malta, dolphinfish (known locally as lampuki) are a culturally important catch, harvested using traditional floating structures called kannizzati.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

A surface-dwelling pelagic species found in warm open waters, typically in the upper 85 metres. Around Malta, it arrives seasonally in late summer and autumn, attracted by floating objects and fish aggregation devices (FADs) used by local fishermen.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Prefers warm, clear oceanic surface waters and is strongly attracted to floating objects, debris and seaweed rafts that provide shade and concentrate smaller baitfish.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Common Dolphinfish species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

A voracious surface predator that feeds on flying fish, small mackerel, squid and crustaceans. Hunts at high speed near the surface, often leaping clear of the water in pursuit of prey.

Surface Predator

Reproduction

Grows extremely fast and matures within its first year. Spawns in open water during the warm season, with floating objects serving as nursery habitat for juveniles.

Rapid Growth

Behaviour & Defence

Relies on exceptional speed, reaching bursts over 50 km/h, and its association with floating structure for cover. The dazzling colour changes may also disorient predators during chase.

High-Speed Escape

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Coryphaena hippurus may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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