Megalops atlanticus

(Valenciennes, 1847)

Vernacular names
English : Atlantic tarpon
French : Tarpon

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Elopiformes
Family : Megalopidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 2.50 m (although they rarely grow above 1.50 m) for a weight of 161 kg. Elongated and laterally compressed body with large silvery scales and dark fins. Wide mouth with upward oriented jaws.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Atlantic Ocean, west from Nova Scotia to Brazil and in the Caribbean Sea, east from Mediterranean sea to Angola, rarely north. Lives in coastal waters, estuaries, mangroves, bays and lagoons, down to 30 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is still numerous but is alarmingly declining because of overfishing and destruction of habitat for commercial fisheries practices.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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