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Giant Herring
Elops hawaiensis Regan, 1909
The Giant Herring can be recognised by its silvery colour, slender body, relatively large mouth, single dorsal fin and strong forked tail.
This species is recorded from Australia, Hawaii and the Philippines. In Australia, the Giant Herring is recorded from tropical and subtropical waters. On the east coast is is recorded south to Sydney, and on the west coast, south to Albany. A few specimens have also been recorded from South Australia. It is a schooling species found in coastal and estuarine waters.
The fish in the image was captured in January 1999 by M. Cassie in the Clarence River at Mylneford. This town is approximately 70km upstream from the mouth of the river, which is still tidal at this point. The image was sent to the Museum by Fisheries Officer Wayne Power of the Clarence District Fisheries Office.
The Giant Herring grows to 1.2m in length and is also known as the Ten Pounder.
A second species of elopid fish, E.machnata, is recorded from Western Australian waters. Its teeth are different from those of E.hawaiensis.
Further Reading
- Allen, G.R & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Glover, C.J.M. in Gomon, M.F, C.J.M. Glover & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
