What does coryphene mean?
A coryphene is a member of the genus Coryphaena, a group of marine fishes that includes the fish commonly known as dolphinfish or mahi-mahi. These are fast-swimming, brilliantly colored fish found in warm waters, with the male mahi-mahi especially noted for its luminous blue-green back and yellow flanks. The term coryphene is chiefly formal, historical, or zoological rather than everyday, and modern speakers are more likely to use dolphinfish or mahi-mahi. In a zoological context, it may refer to a fish in the genus generally; in culinary contexts, the same species is valued for its firm, pale flesh. Although not the familiar name used on menus, coryphene preserves an older taxonomic name that reflects the fish's long history in scientific description.
nounA marine fish of the genus Coryphaena, especially the dolphinfish or mahi-mahi.
- Any marine fish belonging to the genus Coryphaena, especially the dolphinfish also known as mahi-mahi.
"The coryphene leapt through the clear water, its brilliant blue back flashing in the sunlight."
"Anglers in the tropics prized the coryphene for its speed and vivid coloring."
"The zoological catalogue lists the coryphene among the perciform fishes of the family Coryphaenidae."
The regular plural adds -s.
"Several coryphenes followed the fishing boat through the bay."
Coryphene is an old-fashioned name for the brilliantly colored fish now commonly called mahi-mahi.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does coryphene come from?
The word comes through French coryphène from the taxonomic name Coryphaena, a New Latin adaptation of Greek koryphaena. The Greek name was used for a fish of this general group and became the basis for the modern scientific genus name. English speakers subsequently adapted the French form to coryphene, while the alternative popular name mahi-mahi comes from Hawaiian.
Related word forms
How coryphene is actually used
This is a formal or older zoological term and is encountered mainly in specialized or historical writing; in everyday and modern culinary usage, the fish is generally called dolphinfish or mahi-mahi.