English: tarpons, tenpounders, ladyfish.
Synonym: Elopoidei; Megalopiformes.
Members: 2 genera; 2 families.
ZoologyFish; ray-finned.
Reproduction: larvae are leptocephali, looking very similar to those of eels.
TaxonomyElopiformes have a long fossil record, easily distinguished from other fishes by the presence of an additional set of bones in the throat.
They are related to the order of eels, although the adults superficially resemble very large or giant herrings in appearance.
Families • Elopidae: Elops; ladyfish, skipjacks, jack-rashes, tenpounders.
• Megalopidae: Megalops; Tarpon.