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Pacific tarpon
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Pacific tarpon

fish
Also known as: Megalops cypinoides, Megalops cyprinoides, oxeye(Show More)
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Quick Summary

The Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) is a species of fish belonging to the family Megalopidae, which is related to bonefish and ladyfish. These fish are characterized by a long last dorsal fin ray and a bony plate in their throat. They have large, thick, silvery scales.1

Pacific tarpon are found in marine and brackish waters, and are known for their habit of breaking the surface and gulping air, which aids their survival in oxygen-poor environments. They can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and are an important food source, supporting a significant fishery in Southeast Asia. The Pacific tarpon is one of two species in the genus Megalops, the other being the Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus).12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. tarpon
  2. elopiform

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