Description: last
ray of dorsal fin extended into long filament; one dorsal fin;
back dark blue to green or greenish black, shading into bright
silver on the sides; may be brownish gold in estuarien waters;
huge scales; mouth large and points upward.
Similar Fish:
(as juveniles) ladyfish, Elops saurus.
Where found:
primarily INSHORE fish, although adult fish spawn OFFSHORE
where the ribbon-like larval stage of the fish can be found.
Size: most angler
catchs 40 to 50 pounds.
*Florida Record:
243 lbs.
Remarks: slow
grower; matures at 7 to 13 years of age; spawning occurs between
May and September; female may lay more than 12 million eggs;
can tolerate wide range of salinity; juveniles commonly found
in fresh water; can breathe air at surface; feeds mainly on
fish and large crustaceans.
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