Hawaiian Ladyfish

Elops hawaiensis

The Hawaiian Ladyfish, also known as the Hawaiian tenpounder or banana fish, is a ray-finned fish with an elongated body and a silvery-white sheen. Its large black eyes and bluish tint along the back make it distinct. The fins are partially transparent, with a yellowish hue, and the dorsal and caudal fins have black tips. These fish can reach up to 120 cm in length and weigh as much as 10.1 kg. Hawaiian Ladyfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Andaman Sea to Western Australia, and throughout Oceania, including Hawaii. They prefer deeper waters, avoiding shallow bays and harbors, but are known to enter lagoons, bays, and estuaries, particularly around mangroves. They inhabit depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters, often swimming in schools in open water. This species is predatory, feeding on various fishes and crustaceans. The IUCN lists them as Data Deficient.