![]() Around humans Atlantic tarpon are primarily nocturnal. Ītlantic tarpon adapt well to urban and suburban environments due to their tolerance for boat traffic and low water quality. The tarpon is the official state saltwater fish of the American state of Alabama. The Atlantic tarpon was first described scientifically by zoologist Achille Valenciennes in 1847 as Megalops atlanticus, Megalops being inspired by their large eyes. Īn Atlantic tarpon is depicted in the fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel completed by Michelangelo around 1510. Their crushed up scales also feature in traditional medicine, particularly in Brazil. The scales of Atlantic tarpon have been used as nail files and for decorative purposes since pre-history. The diet of the Atlantic tarpon changes as the fish grows with those in the leptocephalus stage absorbing nutrients directly from the water, those in the juvenile stage eating zooplankton and other small prey, and adults primarily consuming fish, crabs, and shrimp. The Atlantic tarpon's most significant predators are sharks and humans. The last ray of the dorsal fin is much longer than the others, reaching nearly to the tail. The large mouth is turned upwards and the lower jaw contains an elongated, bony plate. In appearance, it is greenish or bluish on top and silver on the sides. This gives it a predatory advantage when oxygen levels in the water are low. ![]() Ī tarpon is capable of filling its swim bladder with air, like a primitive lung. It has been recorded at up to 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) in length and weighing up to 161 kg (355 lb). It is generally considered to be of poor food quality, but it is highly valued as a game fish by recreational fishermen.Ītlantic tarpon evolved approximately 18 million years ago and are one of the oldest living fish. The tarpon has a reputation for great aerobatics, attaining astonishing size, and having impressive armored scales. ![]() ![]() Its diet includes small fish and crustaceans. As with all elopiformes, it spawns at sea. It 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. The Atlantic tarpon ( Megalops atlanticus) is a ray-finned fish that inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. ![]()
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