Fin's Fish Guide
The Ladyfish (Elops saurus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Elopidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, in coastal water, brackish estuaries and lagoons; strongly euryhaline.
Description
The ladyfish is a slender, silvery predator of the family Elopidae reaching about 1 metre. The streamlined, herring-like body has large eyes, a terminal mouth and a deeply forked tail, a build for fast swimming in open water. The species lives in coastal water and runs far into brackish estuaries and lagoons along the western Atlantic coast from the USA to Brazil; it tolerates strongly varying salinities. In schools it hunts small schooling fish and shrimps. Like tarpon and eels it has a transparent, ribbon-shaped larval stage (leptocephalus). Among anglers it is known for its fast runs and leaps; the bony flesh is only moderately valued and is often used as bait.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ladyfish?
The Ladyfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver, herring-like predator with large eyes and a deeply forked tail; jumps and runs fiercely on the line.
Where does the Ladyfish live?
The Ladyfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, in coastal water, brackish estuaries and lagoons; strongly euryhaline.
How big does the Ladyfish get?
The Ladyfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Ladyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Ladyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ladyfish edible?
The Ladyfish is rarely eaten.
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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 Ladyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ladyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.