The generic name is from Greek κορυφή (koryphē, "crown, top") and -αινα (-aina, feminine suffix).

[1] Species in this genus have compressed heads and single dorsal fins that run the entire length of the fishes' bodies.

Dolphinfish are aggressive predatory fish that actively prey upon oceanic forage fishes, while in turn serving as a primary food source for many larger pelagic predators.

The dolphinfish can reach up to about 40 kilograms (88 lb), and are some of the fastest-growing species in the ocean.

Despite the name, dolphinfishes are unrelated to and look unlike dolphins (which are marine mammals with pointed snouts), and commercially their meat is often labeled with its Hawaiian name mahi-mahi to reduce possible public confusion.