---
title: Dolphinfishes (Coryphaena)
scientific_name: Coryphaena
common_name: Dolphinfishes
rank: Genus
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:26:05.029Z
tags: Dolphinfishes, Coryphaena, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dolphinfishes
---

# Dolphinfishes (*Coryphaena*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Genus
- **Scientific name:** Coryphaena
- **Body shape:** Torpedo - Streamlined and muscular, built for open-water speed - jacks, tunas, barracudas.
- **Species listed here:** 1

## How to recognise this group

- single, long dorsal fin from head to tail base
- deeply forked caudal fin
- iridescent blue-green and golden-yellow body
- fast-swimming in open water, often near surface

Dolphinfishes (Coryphaena) are fast-swimming pelagic predators with elongated, laterally compressed bodies that taper towards a deeply forked caudal fin. A single dorsal fin extends continuously from the head almost to the caudal peduncle. Males develop a distinct, vertical forehead profile with age. Their colouration is iridescent blue-green dorsally, with golden-yellow flanks and a white belly, often marked with scattered dark spots. These colours can change rapidly, particularly during excitement or distress. Individuals typically reach 1.2 metres (4 ft) in length, with some recorded up to 1.5 metres (5 ft) and 40 kilograms (88 lb).

They inhabit open waters from the surface down to 85 metres (280 ft). These fish are frequently encountered, often solitary or in small groups, near floating debris, buoys, or along steep reef drop-offs. Dolphinfishes prey on various fish and cephalopods.


## Species (1)

- [Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dolphinfishes/dolphinfish)

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dolphinfishes)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*