Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
| Description: last ray of dorsal fin extended into
long filament; one dorsal fin; back dark blue to green or greenish black, shading into
bright silver on the sides; may be brownish gold in estuarine waters; huge scales; mouth
large and points upward.
Similar species: (as juveniles) ladyfish, Elops saurus. |
 |
| Where found: primarily INSHORE fish, although adult
fish spawn OFFSHORE where the ribbon-like larval stage of the fish can be found.
Size: most angler catches 40 to 50 pounds. |
Remarks: slow grower, matures at 7 to 13 years of
age; spawning occurs between May and September; female may lay more than 12 million eggs;
can tolerate wide range of salinity; juveniles commonly found in fresh water; can breathe
air at the surface; feeds mainly on fish and large crustaceans.
Florida record
243 lbs. |
