Elopidae

The Elopidae are a family of ray-finned fish containing the single genus Elops. They are commonly known as ladyfish, skipjacks, jack-rashes, or tenpounders.

The ladyfish are a coastal-dwelling fish found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions, occasionally venturing into temperate waters. Spawning takes place at sea, and the fish larvae migrate inland entering brackish waters. Their food is smaller fish and crustaceans (shrimp). Typically throughout the species, the maximum size is 1 m (3.3 ft) and the maximum weight 10 kg (22 lb). The body is fusiform (tapering spindle shape) and oval in cross-section; being slightly laterally compressed, and the eyes are large and partially covered with adipose eyelids.

Like those of eels, the larvae are leptocephalic - being highly compressed, ribbon-like, and transparent. After initial growth, they shrink and then metamorphise into the adult form.

This family is fished, but the body is bony and therefore this fish is not marketed widely for consumption. They are caught and used as bait or may be ground down for fish meal.

The name comes from the Greek ellops - a kind of serpent.