Description
Body rounded to slightly compressed; mouth is terminal, bordered by the premaxillaries and toothed maxillaries; there are 27-35 branchiostegal rays; dorsal fin with 20-25 rays, the last ray not elongate; anal fin with 13-18 rays; pelvic fins with 16-21 rays; scales rather small; lateral line tubes unbranched.
Distribution
Small monogeneric family of tropical marine fish, though they may enter brackish or even freshwater. Carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans and fishes. Spawning may occur up to 160 km offshore, eggs of all species are pelagic. Young fish inhabit mangrove swamps, sheltered bays, and estuaries.
Species included on this CD-rom:
Elops machnata (Forsskål)