Atlantic Tarpon Pictures

The Atlantic tarpon, Megalops atlanticus, inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. It feeds on various fish and crabs. It is capable of filling its swim bladder with air and absorbing oxygen from it. Specimens have been recorded at up to 98 in (2.5 m) in length and weighing up to 350 lb (161 kg). The Atlantic tarpon is also known as the silver king.

In appearance, it is greenish or bluish on top, and silver on the sides. The large mouth is turned upwards, and the...
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The Atlantic tarpon, Megalops atlanticus, inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. It feeds on various fish and crabs. It is capable of filling its swim bladder with air and absorbing oxygen from it. Specimens have been recorded at up to 98 in (2.5 m) in length and weighing up to 350 lb (161 kg). The Atlantic tarpon is also known as the silver king.

In appearance, it is greenish or bluish on top, and silver on the sides. The large mouth is turned upwards, and the lower jaw contains an elongated bony plate. The last ray of the dorsal fin is much longer than the others, reaching nearly to the tail.

The Atlantic tarpon is found in the Atlantic ocean typically in tropical and subtropical regions, though it has been reported as far north as Nova Scotia and the atlantic coast of Southern France, and as far south as Argentina. As with all Elopiformes it is found in coastal area, spawning at sea. Diet includes smaller fish and crustaceans.

It is the official state saltwater fish of Alabama.
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