Tarpon

Megalops atlanticus

Vulnerable Both

Comprimento Máximo

250,0 cm

Peso Máximo

161,0 kg

Cor

Brilliant chrome-silver flanks with large, …

Faixa de Profundidade

0-40m

Família

Megalopidae

Categoria

Sport Fish

Sobre

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
Faixa de Profundidade	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

Tipo de Água

Freshwater & Saltwater

Faixa de Profundidade

0-40m

Distribuição Geográfica

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.

Países

🇨🇺 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.

Comestibilidade e Culinária

Sabor

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.

Informações de Pesca

Peixe Esportivo

Sim

Classificação de Resistência

10/5

Isca Recomendada

live crabs, mullet, shrimp, flies, jigs

Temporadas de Pesca

Taxonomy

Ordem	Elopomorpha (Tarpons and eels)
Família	Megalopidae (Tarpons)
Espécies	Megalops atlanticus

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Tarpon argenté
Spanish	Tarpón

Perguntas Frequentes

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).