dorado

Dorado is a term with several distinct uses in biology, astronomy, and geography. The word dorado comes from Spanish for “golden” and is used as a common name or place name in various contexts.

In biology, dorado refers to the dolphinfish, Coryphaena hippurus. This large, fast-swimming pelagic fish inhabits tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. It has a slender, deeply compressed body with a high dorsal fin and a coloration that can appear golden when alive, fading after death. Dolphinfish are migratory and often associate with floating objects or warm current systems. They are targeted by both artisanal and industrial fisheries and are valued for their firm, white flesh and relatively high oil content.

In astronomy, Dorado is a constellation in the southern sky. Named after the dolphinfish in Latin, it is one of the smaller constellations and is best observed from southern latitudes. It is relatively faint compared with many northern figures but contains several deep-sky objects and notable stars that are of interest to observers in the region.

Geographically, Dorado refers to several places, most prominently Dorado, Puerto Rico, a municipality on the island’s northern coast. The name reflects the Spanish word for “golden” and is used in various toponyms across the Spanish-speaking world.