Hawaiian ladyfish
📖 Overview
A coastal fish, commonly entering lagoon, bays, and estuaries (including fishponds) , particularly around mangroves . Sometimes enters freshwater streams, but does not penetrate very far inland . Benthopelagic . Younger fish often penetrate the lower freshwater reaches of rivers . An active swimmer, commonly traveling in schools in open water. Feeds on various fishes and crustaceans. Little detailed knowledge exists of its biology. Has a leptocephalus larva. Spawning takes place offshore and young larvae are found in the open sea, moving close to shore as they develop. Juveniles commonly found in salt marshes, canals, and tidal streams. Marketed fresh or frozen; in some places ground up as fish meal. A good sport fish on light tackle, striking a variety of artificial lures as well as live shrimp or baitfish. No separate statistics available. .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 27; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 14 - 18. A gular plate present between arms of lower jaw. Branchiostegal rays numerous, approximately 20-25. All fins without spines. Scales very small, approximately 100 in lateral line.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Hawaiian ladyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; pelagic-neritic; anadromous ; depth range 1 - 30 m . Tropical; 41°N - 40°S, 92°E - 138°W South Wales and New Caledonia; throughout most of Oceania to the Hawaiian Is.
🌿 Ecology
various fishes and crustaceans
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Hawaiian ladyfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 162 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Hawaiian ladyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Banana Fsh · Chiro · giant herring · great herring · Hawaiian Giant Herring · Hawaiian ladyfish · Hawaiian Tarpon · Hawaiian Tenpounder · Ladyfish · Pincushionfish · tenpounder · Torres Strait Herring |
| 🇫🇷French | Guinée saumon |
| 🌍JAV | Bandeng Lanang · Mayos · Puyus |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Kara-iwashi · Karaiwashi · カライワシ |
| 🇰🇷Korean | 당멸치 |
| 🌍MSA | Bandeng Lelaki |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Malacho salmón |
| 🌍TGL | Bid-bid · Bidbid · Bidbir · Mid-bid |
| 🌍VIE | Cá Cháo biển |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 夏威夷海鰱 · 夏威夷海鲢 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elops australis | Regan | 1909 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 18 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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