Description:
The ladyfish is an elongate, torpedo-shaped fish that grows to approximately 3.5 feet in length.  The dorsal surface is generally blue-gray, becoming silver along the sides.  The ventral surface is yellow-white or white.   The fins are dusky to yellow, with the caudal fin being deeply forked.  The mouth is upturned and terminal. A prominent bony plate, called a gular plate, is located between the bones of the lower jaw.  Scales are small, numbering 100 - 120 along the lateral line.  Pelvic fins are set ahead of the origin of the dorsal fin. 

Habitat:
Ladyfish prefer shallow coastal waters and estuaries around mangroves and seagrass beds, sometimes entering freshwater areas.  Spawning occurs in offshore waters.

Similar Species:
The ladyfish is similar in appearance to the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), but lacks the filamentous fin ray on the dorsal fin.  It is also less deep-bodied than the tarpon. 

Range:
Ladyfish range from Cape Cod south to Brazil including Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.  It is uncommon north of Chesapeake Bay.