Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) fish species and information / pictures of Indo-Pacific tarpon - Megalops cyprinoides

Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) fish species information

Scientific Name
Megalops cyprinoides

Common Name
Indo-Pacific tarpon

Biology
Adults are generally found at sea, but young inhabit river mouths, inner bays, and mangrove forests. In freshwater, they occur in rivers, lagoons, lakes, and swampy backwaters (Ref. 2847, 44894). Tolerate a wide pH range (5.2-9.1) (Ref. 44894) and salinities from 0 to 100. Mainly diurnal (Ref. 7017). Predaceous, feeding mainly on fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 5213). Breed offshore, possibly throughout the year. Larvae are transparent and resemble larval eels (Ref. 13337), but with a forked tail (Ref. 167). Juveniles commonly enter freshwater (Ref. 44894, 48635) in clear or turbid water (Ref. 44894). Known to breath air, rising regularly to the surface to do so. Cultured in ponds, the fry being sourced from the coasts (Ref. 7050). Popular angling fish (Ref. 3969). Edible but not esteemed (Ref. 3969).

Classification

Classified By

Broussonet, 1782

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Tarpons and Tenpounders (Elopiformes)

Family

Tarpons (Megalopidae)

Distribution

Region

Indo-Pacific

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and Natal, South Africa (Ref. 3969) to the Society Islands, north to southern Korea, south to the Arafura Sea (Ref. 9819) and New South Wales. Restricted to high islands (Palau, Caroline and Mariana islands) in Micronesia. Reported as far inland as the lower Shire in Malawi and the Save-Runde junction in Zimbabwe (Ref. 7248). Widespread in the Lower Zambezi River channels up to Marromeu and in the Micelo River up to Malingapanzi (Ref. 39494). South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and East China Sea(Ref.33302).

Range

34°N - 28°S, 16°E - 130°W

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

22 °C

Water Temperature To

24 °C

Depth From - meters

50 m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Marine; freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; amphidromous; depth range 50 - ? m (Ref. 2847)

Trophic Level

3.3 s.e. 0.51 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

150 cm

Common Length

45.5 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 1.0020 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes

Vulnerability

High to very high vulnerability (67 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming tm

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated