Prehistoric Tarpon

By Katelin Kukk

Photograph by Lawson Wood

 

Prehistoric tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), are amazing and powerful fish. They are one of Florida’s premier game fish but are located from the Atlantic Ocean through the Caribbean to Brazil. Tarpon are nicknamed the “silver king” and for good reason. They have large silver scales and can grow up to 8 feet and 300 pounds! Their stamina and strength are what make them a fun but challenging fish to catch. 

A unique trait of the Tarpon is its ability to gulp air at the surface if the water they are in is deprived of oxygen. Tarpons are one of the few fish that are able to breathe air due to their specialized bladder. They can be found anywhere within estuaries or open ocean waters doing this. 

Tarpons are amazing creatures that deserve to be respected just as much as any other organism on this earth. If you plan to fish these beasts, make sure to educate yourself on how to properly catch them as well as release them.

 

 

WORLD WATER DAY