Tarpons (Megalops atlanticus, Valenciennes 1847) are large fish native to the Atlantic of the genus Megalopidae (the only other one is Megalops cyprinoides of Indo-Pacific). M. atlanticus is found on the western Atlantic coast from Virginia to Brazil, throughout the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean. They can be found in saltwater and freshwater habitats, usually ascending rivers to access freshwater marshes. Able to survive in brackish water, waters of varying pH, and habitats with low dissolved oxygen content due to their swim bladders, which they use primarily to breathe. They are also able to rise to the surface and take gulps of air, which gives them a short burst of energy. Tarpons can grow to about 4–8 ft long and weigh 60–280 lbs - Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Nikonos RS, UW 13mm, YS-250Pro, Velvia 100, f/11, 1/125 sec.
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 08:30:25 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015