Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides)

Scientific name: Megalops cyprinoides Broussonet, 1782

The Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) is a freshwater fish of the family Megalopidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–24°C (72–75°F).

Indo-Pacific tarpon care at a glance

Temperature: 22–24°C (72–75°F)

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. Tolerate a wide pH range (5.2-9.1) and salinities from 0 to 100. Mainly diurnal. Predaceous, feeding mainly on fishes and crustaceans. Breed offshore, possibly throughout the year. Larvae are transparent and resemble larval eels, but with a forked tail. Juveniles commonly enter freshwater in clear or turbid water. Known to breath air, rising regularly to the surface to do so. Cultured in ponds, the fry being sourced from the coasts. Popular angling fish. Edible but not esteemed.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Megalops cyprinoides
Family: Megalopidae (Tarpons)
Order: Elopiformes (Tarpons and Tenpounders)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 150
Common length: 45.5
Depth range: 50 m (164 ft)
Environment: Marine; freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; amphidromous; depth range 50 - ? m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and Natal, South Africa to the Society Islands, north to southern Korea, south to the Arafura Sea 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. Widespread in the Lower Zambezi River channels up to Marromeu and in the Micelo River up to Malingapanzi. South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and East China Sea.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming tm

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026