Daily Archives: April 13, 2012

Ladyfish ( Elops sp. )

Apr 13

Posted by benaiahfogle

Common Name: Ladyfish

Local Name: Bidbid

Max Size: 100 cm (3.7 kgs)

Biodiversity: Marine, Brackish, Endemic

Depth: Surface – ?? meters

Fishing Season: All Year Long

Minimum Size Limit: None

Recommended Bait/Lures: Cut Bait (Shrimp and fish), lures

IUCN Red List Status: (LC) Least Concern

This is another species found in the Philippines specifically along the coastline where estuaries and mangrove swamps are. These aggressive predators are often mistaken for Milkfish (Bangus) because of their almost identical body shape and color. The fry of these fish look almost identical to Milkfish fry and so they are often mistakenly stocked in Milkfish ponds where they become a damaging pest.

Ladyfish can be taken on a variety of baits and lures. They are quite aggressive and often leap from the water when hooked to try to escape. They have large soft mouths which can make landing them quite frustrating. They often will strike and and run and manage to unhook themselves before you can land them.

Ladyfish on a soft plastic

I have not listed a specific species for the Ladyfish here because there are apparently seven different species of this fish which share many similarities. I prefer to just call these Philippine Ladyfish.

If you have caught Ladyfish here in the Philippines or if you have any other helpful information regarding this fish then please contact us.