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. They 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 hawaiensis Regan, 1909 English Name: Hawaiian Ladyfish, Banana Fish, Giant Herring Mandarin Name | 鱼类中文名: 夏威夷海鲢 (Xiàwēiyí hǎi lián) Local Malay Name: Ikan Banang, Menangin, Bandeng Lelaki (Indonesian), Bandang Bulat Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาตาเหลือกยาว (Plā tāh̄elụ̄xk yāw) Main Identification Features: Body elongated and rounded. Upper jaw reaching well behind eye. Size: Maximum 120 cm standard length, commonly to 50 cm. Habitat and Ecology: Coastal and estuarine waters, to 30 m depth. Adults are generally found at sea, commonly travelling in schools. They spawn offshore and young larvae are found in the open sea. Juveniles are found inshore and in estuaries. Feed mainly on fishes and crustaceans.   Scientific Name: Elops machnata (Forsskål, 1775) English Name: Tenpounder Mandarin Name | 鱼类中文名: 大眼海鲢 (Dà yǎn hǎi lián) Local Malay Name: Ikan Banang, Menangin, Bandeng Lelaki (Indonesia), Senangin Pulau Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาตาเหลือกยาว (Plā tāh̄elụ̄xk yāw) Main Identification Features: Body elongated and slightly compressed. Upper jaw reaching well behind eye. Size: Maximum 120 cm total length and 10.8 kg in weight. Habitat and Ecology: Coastal and estuarine waters, to 50 m depth. Adults are generally found at sea, commonly travelling in schools. Probably spawn offshore. Juveniles are found inshore and in estuaries. Feed mainly on fishes, crustaceans and molluscs.    
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