tarpon
| Scientific name | Megalops atlanticus |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | valenciennes |
| Year of description | 1847 |
| IUCN category (World) | VU |
| Family | Megalopidae |
| Genus | Megalops |
Introduction
Megalops atlanticus, commonly known as tarpon, is a brackish water and salt water fish.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size130 cm
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Maximum size250 cm
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Longevity55 year
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Average size130 cm
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Maximum size250 cm
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Longevity55 year
How to recognize the tarpon ?
The tarpon measures between 130 and 250 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly argent body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in shoals
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
The tarpon is a fish living in shoals naturally found mid-depth and near surface. This species is carnivorous .
Although the tarpon is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond en eau libre
The tarpon is a fish ovipare qui pond en eau libre.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature20 - 28 °C
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Depth0 - 40 m
Biotope presentation
The tarpon is most often found at a depth between 0m and 40m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
New record and revised list of Megalops atlanticus (Elopiformes: Megalopidae) from Atlantic European waters - Rafael Bañón - Carlos Farias - Alejandro De Carlos - Juan Carlos Arronte - José L. Varela - Alberto Arias - David Barros-García - Enrique González-Ortegón - Cybium - 2016. Cybium proofs: 1-5.
REPRODUCTION OF TARPON, MEGALOPS ATLANTICUS, FROM FLORIDA AND COSTA RICAN WATERS AND NOTES ON THEIR AGE AND GROWTH - Roy E. Crabtree - Edward C. Cyr - Didiher Chacón Chaverri - William O. McLarney - John M. Dean - BULLETIN OF MARINE SCIENCE, - 1997. 61(2): 271–285, 1997
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
#Megalopidae
#Megalops
#crique côtière
#estuaire
#mangrove
#plein eau
#Gulf of Mexico
#Caribbean Sea
#Océan Atlantique Bahamas
#Océan Atlantique Bermudes
#Atlantic Ocean: North Coast of Brazil
#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Angulhas
#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Bengala
#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Golfe de guinée
#Temperate Eastern Atlantic Ocean
#Océan Atlantique Est Afrique - Transition & Cap Vert
#Eastern Cold Atlantic Ocean
#Cold temperate Northwest Atlantic Ocean
#Northwest warm temperate Atlantic Ocean
#Southwest warm temperate Atlantic Ocean
#Eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean
#Southwest Tropical Atlantic Ocean