Atlantic tarpon

fish

Also known as: Megalops atlanticus, Tarpon atlanticus, grand écaille, sabalo real, silver king(Show More)

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June 18, 2026

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The Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), also known as the silver king, is a large, silvery fish found in warm Atlantic waters, including the Pacific side of Central America and sometimes rivers. These fish are characterized by an elongated last dorsal fin ray and a bony throat plate. They are known for habitually breaking the water's surface to gulp air, a behavior facilitated by their lung-like swim bladder.123

Atlantic tarpon can grow to over 1.8 meters (6 feet) and weigh more than 45.4 kg (100 pounds), making them a popular game fish. The largest recorded catches have exceeded 136 kg. They are part of the order Elopiformes, which includes other primitive ray-finned fish like ladyfish and bonefish.13

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tarpon
The Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus; alternate name Tarpon atlanticus) is found inshore in warm parts of the Atlantic, on the Pacific side of Central America, and sometimes in rivers. Also called silver king, grand écaille, and sabalo real, it habitually breaks water and gulps air. It…
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The Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus; alternate name Tarpon atlanticus) is found inshore in warm parts of the Atlantic, on the Pacific side of Central America, and sometimes in rivers. Also called silver king, grand écaille, and sabalo real, it habitually breaks water and gulps air. It…
Read More