Order ElopiformesRay-finned fishes
Family Elopidae
Ladyfish
Coastal fish that live in tropic and subtropic regions
Eat crustaceans (shrimp) Max length of 3.3 ft and max weight of 22
lbs Have an enlongated body that is somewhat
compressed
Basic Info
Distinguishing characteristic is a bony plate in the throat called a gular plate
Have leptocephallic larvae which are highly compressed, ribbon-like, and transparent
Larvae shrink after their initial growth then metamorphise into the adult form
They are fished but often used as bait or ground into fish meal because they are too bony to be considered a good food fish
Name comes from Greek ellops which is a kind of serpent
Fun Facts
Family Megalopidae
Tarpon
Can live in marine or freshwater, generally in the Atlantic ocean
4-8 ft long, 60-280 lbs Bluish/greenish backs with shiny, silver
scales Eat small fish and crustaceans (shrimps,
crabs) They hunt nocturnally Predators are sharks and porpoises in the
ocean
Basic Info
Distinguishing characteristic is gular plate but the tarpon has an enlongated dorsal ray unlike the ladyfish
Lay eggs and have leptocephallic larvae Breed offshore in warm, isolated areas Has a swim bladder which allows it breath
atmospheric oxygen and live in waters of varying salinity and pH
Very popular sport fish because they jump out of the water when hooked and provide a great challenge to anglers
Generally released after they are caught because they are very bony
Fun Facts