Megalops cyprinoides

(Broussonet, 1782)

Vernacular names
English : Indo-Pacific tarpon
French : Tarpon Indo-Pacifique

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Elopiformes
Family : Megalopidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 150 cm long for a weight of 18 kg. Elongated and laterally compressed body with large silvery scales and dark fins with elongated filament on base of dorsal fin. Mouth upturned and more vertical than M. atlanticus.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, from Red Sea, Persian Gulf and east Africa to Society islands, north to South Korea, south to east Australia. Lives in coastal waters, estuaries, mangroves, rivers and floodplains, to 50 m deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : DATA DEFICIENT
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a huge range but could be threatened by loss of habitat. It is understudied and locally overexploited. More research needs to be done.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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