Ladyfish: Elops saurus

Appearance:

• Terminal mouth
• Slender body
• Small scales
• Last dorsal ray not elongated
• Head is small and pointed
  
  

Habitat:

Ladyfish are found inshore in bays and estuaries.  They may occasionally enter freshwater.  Ladyfish frequent tidal pools and canals and often form large schools and harasses bait at the surface.

Behavior:

Ladyfish are known to spawn offshore.  Adults feed predominantly on fish and crustaceans.  They leap when hooked.

State Record:

6 lb 4 oz, caught near Cocoa Beach

Fishing Tips and Facts:

Additional Information:

Ladyfish appear similary to juvenile tarpon, Megalops atlanticus.

Image Credit: Diane Rome Peebles