Depth
Coryphaena · Bony Fish

Pompano Dolphinfish

Coryphaena equiselis

0-85m
Depth Range
127cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-85m
Depth Range
127cm
Max Size
Pelagic
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Small groups
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Low
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusCoryphaena
Speciesequiselis

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSimilar to the common dolphinfish but smaller and with a more rounded body profile. Males lack the extremely blunt forehead of the common dolphinfish. Vivid golden-yellow flanks with blue-green back.
  • SizeUp to 127 cm total length, commonly 40 to 60 cm.
  • Social HabitFound in small groups near the surface, often around floating debris.
  • HabitatOpen ocean surface waters. Strongly attracted to floating objects.
  • DepthSurface to 30 m, predominantly in the top 5 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall pelagic fish, flying fish, and squid caught near the surface.
  • DistributionWorldwide in tropical and subtropical seas, including the Mediterranean Sea as an uncommon visitor.
  • DescriptionA close relative of the common dolphinfish but less frequently encountered in the Mediterranean. Smaller and more rounded in profile, it shares the same spectacular golden colouration. Mainly seen during warmer months and more common in the southern Mediterranean.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Strictly pelagic, inhabiting open oceanic waters from the surface to around 85 m. Found well offshore, often associated with floating debris and Sargassum patches.

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, blue oceanic water far from shore. Gravitates toward floating objects, driftwood, and weed lines that concentrate small prey fish.

Encounter Tips

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

Pompano Dolphinfish species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

A swift predator that chases flying fish, small pelagic fish, and squid at high speed. Hunts near the surface, often leaping clear of the water during pursuits.

High-speed hunter

Reproduction

Spawns in warm offshore waters. Growth is extremely rapid, with individuals reaching maturity within their first year. Lifespan is relatively short.

Fast-growing spawner

Behaviour & Defence

Exceptional swimming speed is the primary defence. The vibrant colour change upon death suggests its living colours may serve as disruptive camouflage in sunlit surface waters.

Speed & colour

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Where to Encounter in Malta

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

IUCN Red ListLeast 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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