West African ladyfish

The West African ladyfish (Elops lacerate) is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Elopidae. It is native to the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Senegal to Angola. It is also known as the Guinean ladyfish. Some have been known to grow to 20 lb (9.1 kg).^[4]

West African ladyfish
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Elopiformes
Family:	Elopidae
Genus:	Elops
Species:	E. lacerta
Binomial name
Elops lacerta Valenciennes, 1847
Synonyms[2][3]
Alloelops lacertus (Valenciennes 1847) Elops congicus Boulenger 1898

Threats

This species uses estuarine areas and hypersaline lagoons; changes in the quality of these habitats may affect this species' population dynamics. Although this species may not be closely associated with any single habitat, it may be adversely affected by development and urbanization.^[5]