Why do dorado change color

Once in a while we get a silver one that looks really cool. For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More Videos. More from Adventure. The color changes could have evolved for spawning selection, or perhaps as a camouflage when approached by predators.

After death, all the chromatophores tend to contract almost instantly, leaving the fish an ugly, pale grayish-brown or dull yellow in color. Because mahi are sexually productive at an early age and are so fast growing, the popular scientific theory is that this species can withstand a high rate of exploitation.

All mahi can reproduce by three to five months of age or 22 inches in length. Once the fish reach maturity, the spawning season for mahi is long, and multiple spawnings every six weeks are common in both males and females, broadcasting about , eggs. The eggs, which are about the size of the head of a pin, hatch in about 60 hours.

The little fish start growing immediately. Mahi spawn in pairs, rather than communally, with spawning occurring year-round In Hawaiian waters. At five months, they can reach pounds and are mature. At one year, most exceed 20 pounds. Three-year-olds usually exceed 30 pounds. Mahi-Mahi also present amazing color patterns and variations while offering incredible table fare, added reasons why they are arguably one of the most highly regarded pelagic species in our oceans.

Regardless of what you call them, the Mahi is truly a fan favorite and we wanted to share a little more information about this amazing creature. Often putting on a supreme aerial display when hooked, mahi-mahi are sure to stun with amazing acrobatic performances. Mahi-Mahi are easy to identify because of their bright color patterns and unique body shape.

They are usually a vibrant green color with yellow and blue highlights, but also alternate their colors to lighter shades of blues and even metallic silver.