Fin's Fish Guide
The Banana fish (Elops hawaiensis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Elopidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Description
The Hawaiian ladyfish is a fish of the tenpounder family (Elopidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species has an elongate, silvery, streamlined body with a deeply forked tail. It is a coastal fish that commonly enters lagoons, bays and estuaries, including fishponds, and stays particularly around mangroves; sometimes it enters freshwater streams. As a predator it hunts smaller fishes and crustaceans in schools. Like related species it has a transparent, ribbon-shaped larva. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banana fish?
The Banana fish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Coastal migratory fish of mangroves and estuaries; transparent leptocephalus larva.
Where does the Banana fish live?
The Banana fish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Indo-Pacific; lagoons, bays, estuaries and mangroves.
How big does the Banana fish get?
The Banana fish grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Banana fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Banana fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banana fish edible?
The Banana fish 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 Banana fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banana fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.