Tarpon
| Name: | Tarpon |
| Scientific Name: | Megalops atlanticus |
| Family: | Tarpons |
| Taxonomic: | Megalopidae |
| ID Group: | Silvery Fishes |
| Size: | 2 - 4 ft. |
| Depth Range: | Various depths (0 – 130 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
The Tarpon has a large, silvery, robust body and an elongated dorsal fin ray. Its body is covered in large, shiny scales and is usually a solid silver color with a dark greenish-blue back, lacking any visible markings. It has a large mouth that is slightly angled upward.
The Tarpon is often found drifting undisturbed above the reef, sometimes schooling during the day in shallow sandy areas or under piers and around wrecks. It actively feeds at night and may follow divers, using their lights to locate prey. Some individuals stay in the same area for years, making them a familiar sight in certain locations.