AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Elops affinis
Pacific Ladyfish
Regan, 1909
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A slender, silvery fish with a deeply forked tail, a large terminal mouth, and a highly streamlined body profile adapted for rapid swimming.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Elopiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Elopidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Elops
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Regan, 1909
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, and occasionally enters hypersaline lagoons or moves into lower reaches of rivers.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active predator that hunts near the surface. It is highly migratory and often travels in schools during certain life stages.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Often found in loose schools, especially as juveniles in shallower waters.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active carnivore/piscivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on small fish and crustaceans. Serves as prey for larger pelagic predators and marine birds.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Spawning occurs offshore, after which the larvae (leptocephali) drift into coastal areas.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 100.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
500 g - 4.50 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.10000 - 100000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 4 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
--
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males5 - 10 Years
Females5 - 10 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a leptocephalus larval stage, which is transparent and ribbon-like, allowing for efficient dispersal in oceanic currents.
High tolerance to varying levels of salinity, facilitating movement between marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Primarily impacted by degradation of coastal and estuarine nursery habitats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Known for its spectacular, acrobatic leaps when hooked by anglers, earning it the reputation of a 'poor man's tarpon'.