Elopiform

elopiform, (order Elopiformes), any member of a group of archaic ray-finned fishes that includes the tarpons (Megalops) and the ladyfishes (Elops). Elopiforms live in marine and brackish water habitats. A few are prized game fishes, but only the Pacific tarpon (or oxeye) is of economic importance as food; it supports a major fishery in Southeast Asia. As is usual with primitive groups, the elopiforms have an extensive fossil record—with many more fossils than modern species.

Order Elopiformes is one of four orders that make up the superorder Elopomorpha, a group considered to be one of the most primitive of bony fishes (infraclass Teleostei). The other living orders in the superorder include the Anguilliformes (eels), Saccopharyngiformes (bobtail eels, swallowers, and gulpers), and Albuliformes (bonefish). Most taxonomists divide order Elopiformes into the families Elopidae (ladyfishes) and Megalopidae (tarpons).