Elongate cylindrical body with a slight taper down to a deeply forked tail. Upper back silver-blue/green and fades to silver near the belly. Small head with forward-facing mouth with the posterior end of the jaw extending past the eyes. Singular triangular dorsal fin.
Average Maximum Size:
91 cm (36 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
Adult Ladyfish can be distinguished from adult Tarpon by the absence of a trailing dorsal ray and more slender adult body proportions. The mouth of the Ladyfish is noticeably more terminal compared to the distinctly superior mouth of the Tarpon.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Like adults juvenile Ladyfish can be distinguished from the related Tarpon by the absence of a trailing dorsal ray, a more slender body, and a terminal rather than superior mouth.
Range:
Massachusetts to Brazil
Habitat:
Shallow coastal salt and brackish waters with sandy and muddy bottoms; also Larvae may be found in freshwater with tidal influence while juveniles are typically found inshore around estuaries; can be found offshore too.
