(Forsskål)
1. Distinctive characters of early developmental stages
(a) Eggs
Not yet reported from the mangroves.
(b) Larvae (Leptocephalus stage)
Elops machnata 1
Ribbon shaped; measuring between 33 and 37 mm in length; elongated; air bladder situated below 31st myomere; anus below 59th myomere; similar to the leptocephalus stage in eels but with a bifurcated caudal fin; mouth with no sharp teeth.
(c) Larvae (Metamorphic stage)
Information limited.
2. Distinguishing characters of leptocephalus stages of similar species occurring in mangroves
(a) Megalops cyprinoides (vide Megalops cyprinoides and Megalops cyprinoides 1)
3. Distinguishing characters of leptocephalus stage of similar species occurring in the nearby coastal waters
(a) Albula vulpes
Albula vulpes
The leptocephalus stage measures as large as 64 mm in length (but after metamorphosis the young fishes measure half the length); ventral fins situated below 35th myomere and anus below 67th myomere (anus situated below 59th myomere in E. machnata ).
4. Distinctive characters of young and adult fishes
Gular plate present in the lower jaw between arms; around 23 to 25 branchiostegal rays present in the underside of the head; scutes absent.
5. Salient biological characteristics
Attains over 985 mm in total length in the marine environment (Jeyaseelan, 1981). Young ones and adults feed on fishes and shrimps and are voracious carnivores.
6. Salient ecological information
Leptocephalus stages occur in considerable number closer to the mangrove shores from a depth of about 25 cm. The early juveniles and pre-adults (34 to 284 mm) occur frequently in mangrove waterways and are distributed throughout Indo-Pacific region.
7. Evolutionary significance
One among the three primitive families with interesting leptocephalus larval stage found to have a bifurcated caudal fin.
8. Culture fisheries
This species is considered suitable for carnivorous fish culture. However, depending upon its meat quality, the presence of plenty of bony ribs, the local price, FCR, carnivorous feeding habits, management of forage food fish in the system, and economics, the cultural preference of this species varies from region to region. In brackish water shrimp farms the seeds enter into the cultural system and cause severe damage to the shrimp crop.