Fin's Fish Guide
The Australian giant herring (Elops machnata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Elopidae that grows up to 118 cm.
Description
The tenpounder is a slender, herring-like predator from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from South Africa and the Red Sea to India and the western Pacific. It grows to about 118 cm and has an elongate, silvery body with a deeply forked tail. It lives in coastal water, lagoons and estuaries and tolerates brackish water. As a fast, voracious hunter it feeds on fish, squid and shrimp. The species spawns at sea, after which transparent ribbon-like larvae migrate to brackish inland water. It is a popular game fish, although the flesh is bony. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Australian giant herring?
The Australian giant herring has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Deeply forked tail; transparent ribbon-shaped larvae; fast hunter
Where does the Australian giant herring live?
The Australian giant herring lives in brackish water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Australian giant herring get?
The Australian giant herring grows to a maximum of about 118 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Australian giant herring dangerous to humans?
No, the Australian giant herring is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Australian giant herring edible?
The Australian giant herring is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Elops
More from the family Elopidae
Want the complete picture on the Australian giant herring?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Australian giant herring is one of 12,519 species in the app.