Machete

Elops affinis

The Machete, also known as the Pacific ladyfish, is a slender, elongated fish with a large terminal mouth and distinctive silvery scales. The fish's back is typically dark blue-green or light brown, transitioning to silvery flanks with slight yellow highlights. This species is found in the Eastern Pacific, from Mandalay Beach in southern California to Peru, including the Gulf of California. It inhabits marine and brackish environments, often in lagoons and estuaries, and is known to swim in schools in shallow inshore areas at depths of up to 10 meters. Machetes are carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans. Machetes breed in open sea waters, where they place their eggs in plankton-rich regions to nourish the juveniles. The larvae, which resemble eels, migrate towards coastal areas as they develop. Divers might encounter these fish in coastal waters, where they are known for their vigorous struggle when caught on hooks and lines. Although they have low commercial value due to their numerous spines, they are sometimes sought after as gamefish. The IUCN lists the Machete as Data Deficient. Divers may observe Machetes actively swimming in schools, particularly in shallow coastal waters. Their presence in estuarine areas and hypersaline lagoons makes them susceptible to habitat changes, which could impact their populations. Despite this, they are generally harmless to humans.