Tarpon - Megalops atlanticus

By: admin Mood: - Tarpon Date: May 15, 2007 Music: None

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: Ladyfish, Elopsaurus.

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 150 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: 243lb