Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

Elopidae

Elopidae

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CAAB: 37053000

Family ELOPIDAE

Giant Herrings, Ladyfishes, Tenpounders


Compiler and date details

22 February 2018 - Dianne J. Bray, John R. Paxton, Jennifer E. Gates & Douglass F. Hoese

20 April 2011 - Dianne J. Bray, John R. Paxton, Jennifer E. Gates & Douglass F. Hoese

Introduction

The Elopidae comprise a single genus Elops and seven species, found worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas. Two species occur in Australian waters.

Although elopids are primarily marine fishes, they are frequently found in estuaries, and also enter freshwaters. Both Australian species are popular sports fish taken on hook and line, but are considered poor eating. The larvae are leaf-like leptocephali similar to those of true eels (order Anguilliformes), although unlike true eels, elopid larvae have forked caudal fins (Charter & Moser 1996). Maximum length is 1 m.

Paxton et al. (1989) included the genus Megalops in the family Elopidae. However, two separate families, Elopidae and Megalopidae, are now recognised (Nelson 2006; Paxton et al. 2006, Nelson et al. 2016). Whitehead (1962) reviewed the genus Elops. McBride et al. (2010) described a new species of Elops from the western Atlantic.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
05-Mar-2019 ELOPOMORPHA 21-Feb-2018 MODIFIED Dr Doug Hoese (AM)
27-Jul-2016 08-Mar-2012 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)