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