Tenpounders or ladyfishes are the members of the Elopidae family. They have elongated body, large eye partially covered with adipose eyelid and large mouth where gape ending behind posterior margin of eye. Their fins are without spines, dorsal fin origin at about midpoint of body and anal fin origin behind dorsal fin base. Their are silvery in colour.
Tenpounders are found in most tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are primarily coastal fishes, commonly entering lagoons and estuaries. They spawn offshore and young larvae are found in the open sea. Juveniles move inshore and often occur in tidal streams and mangrove swamps but rarely enter far inland. Tenpounders are predator fishes, feeding mainly on fishes and crustaceans. They are also active swimmers and considered as exciting gamefish for light tackle. Similar to tarpon behaviour, as soon as the hook is set, a tenpounder will perform a series of twisting leaps to try to itself. Despite being called tenpounders, they rarely exceed 10 pounds in weight.
There is only one genus and 7 species of Elopidae worldwide. 2 of the species are found in Malaysia.
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Scientific Name: Elops machnata (Forsskål, 1775) English Name: Tenpounder Mandarin Name: 大眼海鲢 (Dà yǎn hǎi lián) Local Malay Name: Senangin Pulau Main Diagnostic Features: Body elongated and slightly compressed. Upper jaw reaching well behind eye. Size: Maximum 12o cm total length and 10.8 kg in weight.    
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