Fin's Fish Guide
The Senegalese ladyfish (Elops senegalensis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Elopidae that grows up to 90 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in coastal water, brackish estuaries and lagoons; strongly euryhaline.
Description
The Senegalese ladyfish or tenpounder is a slender, silvery predator of the family Elopidae reaching about 90 cm. 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 West African coast; 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.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Senegalese ladyfish?
The Senegalese ladyfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, silver, herring-like predator with a deeply forked tail; penetrates far into brackish estuaries and lagoons.
Where does the Senegalese ladyfish live?
The Senegalese ladyfish lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, in coastal water, brackish estuaries and lagoons; strongly euryhaline.
How big does the Senegalese ladyfish get?
The Senegalese ladyfish grows to a maximum of about 90 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Senegalese ladyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Senegalese ladyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Senegalese ladyfish edible?
Yes, the Senegalese ladyfish is commonly 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 Senegalese ladyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Senegalese ladyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.