Tarpon
(Megalops atlanticus)
Family Elopidae, Tarpons
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 fish: (as juveniles) ladyfish, Elops saurus.
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 50 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.
Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
Division of MarineResources, Office of Fisheries Management and Assistance Services
Just a note on these pictures, and all of the other fish pictures shown on this web site; this trophy tarpon was released right after the photograph was taken.