Senegalese ladyfish
📖 Overview
Coastal pelagic species, occurring inshore and some way up the tidal rivers to the edge of the shelf . Feeds on fish and shrimps .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. Diagnosis: Elops senegalensis is often confused with Elops lacerta, from which it is distinguished by a smaller number of gill-rakers on the lower limb of the first gill arch, being 11-15 vs. 17-19; and a greater number of small scales in the lateral line, 92-100 vs. 72-83 in E. lacerta . : elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Senegalese ladyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; pelagic-neritic; depth range ? - 50 m . Tropical; 22°N - 7°S, 26°W - 13°E West African coast from Mauritania to the Democratic Republic of Congo (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
fish and shrimps (Ref
📐 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
"Senegalese 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 | 16.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 185 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Senegalese 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 | Ladyfish · Senegalese Ladyfish |
| 🌍CES | elops senegalský |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Tartão-anão-do-Senegal |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Сенегальский элопс |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 669 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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