The ladyfish are a coastal-dwelling fish found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions, occasionally venturing into temperate waters.

[3] Spawning takes place at sea, and the fish larvae migrate inland entering brackish waters.

The body is fusiform (tapering spindle shape) and oval in cross-section; being slightly laterally compressed, and the eyes are large and partially covered with adipose eyelids.

[citation needed] Like those of eels, the larvae are leptocephalic - being highly compressed, ribbon-like, and transparent.

[citation needed] The name comes from the Ancient Greek ἔλοψ (élops), variant of ἔλλοψ (éllops), referring to a kind of serpent or serpentlike sea fish.