Fascinating Elopiformes and Tarpon: Coastal Fish Families Revealed
Discover the unique characteristics and habits of Elopiformes and Tarpon, two intriguing fish families inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters. Learn about their distinct features, habitats, and fun facts, including their significance in fishing and ecosystems.
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Presentation Transcript
Order Elopiformes Ray-finned fishes
Ladyfish Family Elopidae
Basic Info Coastal fish that live in tropic and subtropic regions Eat crustaceans (shrimp) Max length of 3.3 ft and max weight of 22 lbs Have an enlongated body that is somewhat compressed
Distinguishing characteristic is a bony plate in the throat called a gular plate Have leptocephallic larvae which are highly compressed, ribbon-like, and transparent Larvae shrink after their initial growth then metamorphise into the adult form
Fun Facts They are fished but often used as bait or ground into fish meal because they are too bony to be considered a good food fish Name comes from Greek ellops which is a kind of serpent
Tarpon Family Megalopidae
Basic Info Can live in marine or freshwater, generally in the Atlantic ocean 4-8 ft long, 60-280 lbs Bluish/greenish backs with shiny, silver scales Eat small fish and crustaceans (shrimps, crabs) They hunt nocturnally Predators are sharks and porpoises in the ocean
Distinguishing characteristic is gular plate but the tarpon has an enlongated dorsal ray unlike the ladyfish Lay eggs and have leptocephallic larvae Breed offshore in warm, isolated areas Has a swim bladder which allows it breath atmospheric oxygen and live in waters of varying salinity and pH
Fun Facts Very popular sport fish because they jump out of the water when hooked and provide a great challenge to anglers Generally released after they are caught because they are very bony
