Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, laterally compressed; mouth arched upward, lower jaw protruding past upper jaw; dorsal fin base short, originates about midbody, last dorsal fin ray very elongated; anal fin base longer than dorsal fin base, originates behind dorsal fin base; pelvic fins abdominal, well behind pectoral fins but still in front of dorsal fin origin; gular plate (a flat bone) on the underside between the lower jaws; scales large. |
Similar Species |
Similar to the ladyfish, Elops saurus, but the ladyfish (also called skipjack) does not have an elongated dorsal ray and its scales are small. Somewhat similar to a bonefish, Albula vulpes, but the bonefish's snout extends past the lower jaw and it also does not have an elongated dorsal fin ray. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, sometimes found in poorly oxygenated waters |
Maximum Size |
250 cm (8 ft), common to 130 cm (4 1/2 ft) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. 13-15; A. 22-25 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
silver kings |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Can breathe atmospheric oxygen through a specialized bladder; Great sports fish, known for its ability to leap out of the water when hooked. |
State size/bag limits |
Minimum size is 85 in.; bag limit is 1; Check for state record. |