Description: bright
greenish blue above, yellow on sides, with capability of flashing
purple, chartreuse, and a wide range of other colors; body tapers
sharply from head to tail; irregular blue or golden blotches
scattered over sides; anterior profile of head on adult males
is nearly vertical; head of females more sloping; the single
dark dorsal fin extends from just behind the head to the tail;
anal fin margin concave and extending from anus to tail.
Similar Fish:
pompano dolphin, C. equisetis. The pompano dolphin
has squarish tooth patch on tongue (oval tooth patch on dolphin)
and fewer dorsal rays (48 to 55 versus 55 to 65 on dolphin).
Where found:
OFFSHORE in warm waters.
Size: common
to 30 pounds.
*Florida Record:
77 lbs, 12 ozs.
Remarks: one
of the fastest-growing fish, thought to live no more than
5 years; swimming speed is estimated at 50 knots; spawns in
warm ocean currents throughout much of the year; young found
in sargassum weed; feeds on flying fish and squid.
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