Megalops atlanticus
Valenciennes 1847
Family Megalopidae

Lateral view of a tarpon
The tarpon pictured above was collected in Monroe County, Florida, and is now a specimen in the Florida Museum ichthyology collection, UF 237243. Florida Museum photo by Kenneth Krysko.

Tarpon have projecting lower jaws and dorsal fin bases above the area between their pelvic and anal fin bases. Members of the tarpon family, they are a marine species frequently found in canals. Juveniles can be found in rivers, including those that are far inland.

Status & distribution

  • Status — Marine invader
  • Florida Distribution — Western and North Central drainages and the Gulf Coast, South Florida and Atlantic Coast
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