Tarpon

Megalops atlanticus

Vulnerable Both

Max Length

250.0 cm

Max Weight

161.0 kg

Color

Brilliant chrome-silver flanks with large, …

Depth Range

0-40m

Family

Megalopidae

About

The tarpon is often called the 'Silver King' for its large mirror-like scales and acrobatic leaps. This ancient species has existed for over 100 million years and can breathe air using a modified swim bladder.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	250.0 cm
Maximum Weight	161.0 kg
Depth Range	0-40m

Coloration

Brilliant chrome-silver flanks with large, plate-like reflective scales producing a mirror-like sheen; back is dark blue-green; fins clear to dusky with elongated dorsal ray.

Habitat & Distribution

Coral reefs, estuaries

Water Type

Freshwater & Saltwater

Depth Range

0-40m

Geographic Range

Western and eastern Atlantic from Virginia south through the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and along the South American coast to Brazil; also West Africa. Enters estuaries, lagoons, and freshwater rivers.

Countries

🇨🇺 Cuba

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Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Vulnerable IUCN Red List

Tarpon is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Tarpon faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Bony flesh with a strong, somewhat coarse texture; rarely eaten in modern sport fishing. Primarily catch-and-release; not commonly consumed due to bones and Vulnerable status.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

10/5

Recommended Bait

live crabs, mullet, shrimp, flies, jigs

Fishing Seasons

Taxonomy

Order	Elopomorpha (Tarpons and eels)
Family	Megalopidae (Tarpons)
Species	Megalops atlanticus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Tarpon argenté
Spanish	Tarpón

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Tarpon?

Bony flesh with a strong, somewhat coarse texture; rarely eaten in modern sport fishing. Primarily catch-and-release; not commonly consumed due to bones and Vulnerable status.

How big does Tarpon get?

Tarpon can grow up to 250.0 cm long and weigh 161.0 kg.

Where is Tarpon found?

Is Tarpon endangered?

The conservation status of Tarpon is Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Tarpon belong to?

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) belongs to the family Megalopidae (Tarpons) in the order Elopomorpha (Tarpons and eels).