Tarpon
(Megalops
atlanticus)
Description:
Last ray of dorsal fin extended into long filament; one dorsal
fin; 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 point upward.
Similar
fish: (As juveniles) ladyfish,
Elops saurus.
Where
found: Primarily Inshore fish, although adult fish spawn
Offshore where the ribbon-like larva stage of the fish can
be found.
Size:
Most angler catches are 40 to 50 pounds. Can reach 200
lbs..
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 breath air at the surface;
feeds mainly on fish and large crustaceans.
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