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