The diet of Megalops atlanticus changes throughout development. In the first stage of their development, tarpon get nutrients directly from the water. As juveniles, they feed on zooplankton, small fish, and insects. As adults, tarpon move away from zooplankton and feed only on fish and crustaceans. Some main food sources are Atlantic needlefish (Strongylura marina), pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), and many species of crabs and shrimp. Megalops atlanticus swallows its prey whole because of the small size of its teeth. Tarpon feed mostly on mid-water prey during the day and night.
Animal Foods: fish; insects; aquatic crustaceans; zooplankton
Primary Diet: carnivore (Piscivore , Eats non-insect arthropods)
Zooplankton and small fish feed on M. atlanticus during the larval stage. As tarpon mature, their main predators become bull sharks (Carcharhinus amboinensis), great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini), American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) and many species of porpoise.
Tarpon exhibit a color pattern called countershading, which most fish use as a method to prevent predation. Their dorsal surface is generally a dark color. When a predator is looking down on a tarpon from above, the dark color of its dorsal side helps it blend in with the dark, deep waters. The ventral surface of most fish is lighter in color, silver in the case of the tarpon. This countershading helps it blend in with the lighter color of the surface water when a predator is looking at it from below.
Known Predators:
Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic
Megalops atlanticus is a large fish with a deep blue to black dorsal coloration and silver side and ventral coloration. Tarpon have a forked, homocercal caudal fin. The single dorsal fin is short and made up of 13 to 15 soft rays; the last of these rays is elongated into a heavy filament. The anal fin is a triangle and is made up of 22 to 25 soft rays; the last of these rays is also elongated into a filament but is much smaller than that of the dorsal fin. Tarpon have large pelvic fins on the abdomen and long pectoral fins made up of 13 to 15 soft rays. The scales of tarpon are cycloid and large. There are 37 to 42 of these large scales along the lateral line.
Tarpon vary greatly in size and females are generally larger than males. Megalops atlanticus can grow up to lengths of 240 cm and reach a mass of 161 kg. Females, on average, have a mean fork length of 167.7 cm whereas males have a mean fork length of 144.7 cm.
The lower jaw of M. atlanticus is large and protruding. Tarpon have very small, densely packed teeth placed all over the mouth including the jaws, tongue and skull base. In addition to these fine teeth, tarpon have a bony plate on the upturned portion of the lower jaw which helps them crush some of their prey.
Tarpon have a modified swim bladder which allows them to live in oxygen-poor environments. Alveolar tissue in the swim bladder and a duct connecting the swim bladder to the esophagus allow tarpon to breath atmospheric air. Studies have shown that tarpon are obligate air breathers. Even in oxygen-rich environments tarpon still gulp air from the surface.
Range mass: 161 (high) kg.
Range length: 204.5 (high) cm.
Average length: 156.2 cm.
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: female larger
Megalops atlanticus is known to have a very long lifespan. Tarpon are expected to live approximately 55 years in the wild and approximately 60 years in captivity. The oldest recorded age the wild was 55 years for a female and 43 years for a male. In captivity, the oldest recorded was a female tarpon which reached the age of 63 years.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 55 for female and 43 for male (high) years.
Range lifespan
Status: captivity: 63 for a female (high) years.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 55 years.
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 55 years.
Tarpon are found in estuaries, bays, lagoons and have even been known to travel up into freshwater rivers. Megalops atlanticus has the ability to tolerate euryhaline environments and can also tolerate environments which are oxygen poor by gulping air at the surface. The only environmental constraint on their habitat is temperature. They occupy warmer waters in subtropical areas and sudden temperature changes have been known to kill tarpon in large numbers. M. atlanticus is a pelagic fish.
Range depth: 0 to 30 m.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; tropical ; saltwater or marine ; freshwater
Aquatic Biomes: pelagic ; rivers and streams; coastal ; brackish water
Other Habitat Features: riparian ; estuarine
Megalops atlanticus, commonly known as the Atlantic tarpon, is primarily found in the warm, shallow, coastal regions of the eastern and western Atlantic Ocean. These fish have a wide range along the coastal areas from the United States to Brazil in the western Atlantic and from Senegal to the Congo on the eastern Atlantic coast. They have occasionally been sighted as far north as Nova Scotia and as far south as Argentina in the western Atlantic and along the coasts of Portugal, the Azores and the south of France in the eastern Atlantic. Megalops atlanticus is also found throughout the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, around Bermuda and in the eastern Pacific Ocean near Cobia Island in Panama because of movement through the Panama Canal.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native ); ethiopian (Native ); neotropical (Native ); atlantic ocean (Native ); pacific ocean (Introduced ); mediterranean sea (Native )
Tarpon are prey and are also predators throughout their ecosystem. Large sharks, alligators and porpoises feed on tarpon and in return tarpon feed on smaller fish, crabs and shrimp.
Lecithochirium microstomum, a trematode parasite, is found in the stomachs of tarpon, and Bivescula tarponis, another trematode parasite, occurs throughout the intestines. The isopods Nerocila acuminata and Cymothoa oestrum, and the copepod Paralebion pearsei, are found on the external surfaces of tarpon. Commensal remoras often attach themselves to large tarpon and go along for the ride.
Commensal/Parasitic Species:
Tarpon mainly benefit humans through recreational activities. In Florida, tarpon are a very important game fish, bringing in millions of dollars annually through charter fishing trips. In some areas, Megalops atlanticus is marketed for its flesh. It is considered a delicacy in South America despite the fact that it is very bony. Large scales of tarpon are used as ornamentation on home decorations and are also used in the manufacturing of artificial pearls.
Positive Impacts: food ; body parts are source of valuable material; ecotourism
There have been a few reported cases of ciguatera poisoning from eating tarpon. Ciguatera poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Neurological signs of poisoning include headache and temperature sensitivity and cardiovascular signs can include arrhythmia and reduced blood pressure. There have also been reports of injuries and even deaths to sport fishers attempting to catch tarpon. These fish are very large and have lots of thrashing power when hooked on a fishing line. When pulled into a boat they can thrash their bodies around vigorously and injure the angler. It is best to wear out the fish before pulling it on board to avoid any injury.
Negative Impacts: injures humans (carries human disease)
Megalops atlanticus develops in three distinct stages over a period of months. Two to three days after spawning, the eggs hatch into planktonic leptocephalus larvae. Over a period of two to three months these leptochephalus larvae grow to a length of 6 to 25 mm and float inshore on currents to continue their development. In stage two, tarpon actually stop growing and shrink to a size of approximately 14 mm. This stage lasts anywhere from 20 to 25 days. In stage three, lasting seven to eight weeks, the tarpons continue their growth and at around 40 mm become juveniles.
The sexual maturation of M. atlanticus is based primarily on the length of the fish. In males it occurs between 90 to 117.5 cm and in females at approximately 128.5 cm. This maturation can occur between the ages of 6 to 13 years for both sexes.
Development - Life Cycle: metamorphosis
The effects of catch and release fishing programs on Megalops atlanticus are not yet fully understood. Releasing tired fish may make them unable to recover quickly. Tarpon may then die from oxygen deprivation or become easy prey for predators. Permits are now being issued to anglers who intend to catch and kill these fish. For a small permit price, two tarpon per licensed angler are allowed to be caught and killed each day. The angler must also report information on where the fish was caught and its size to the Florida Marine Research Institute for further tarpon research. This permit program has greatly reduced the number of tarpon killed over the past few years. In 1989, just before the permit program was instituted, it is estimated that 342 tarpon were caught and killed by anglers. In 1998, the number of tarpon caught and killed by anglers decreased to 70.
Commercial harvesting of M. atlanticus is not permitted.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
The word "Megalops" translates from the Greek language as "large-eyed". The eyes of Megalops atlanticus are a very prominent feature and aid tarpon in hunting for prey. Tarpon have been known to make thumping noises to communicate with those around them or to scare off predators when they become startled. These noises are produced by vibrations in the swim bladder.
Communication Channels: acoustic
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; vibrations ; chemical
Tarpon spawn seasonally and are multiple spawners. These fish have been seen swimming in a circular, rotating fashion. This movement may be a way for tarpon to initiate spawning. Large schools of Megalops atlanticus, 25 to 200 individuals, migrate offshore to spawn. Tarpon are broadcast spawners. Fertilization of the eggs is external.
Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)
Large schools of Megalops atlanticus, 25 to 200 individuals, migrate offshore between May and August to spawn. There is some evidence to suggest that tarpon can spawn year round, but this is not common. There is also evidence to suggest that the lunar phase influences when tarpon spawn. Successful hatchings occur within the week following a new moon. These fish have a very high fecundity rate, with large females producing more than 12 million eggs. Tarpon spawn in the deeper waters and allow the currents to carry their eggs to inshore nurseries to develop. The eggs hatch into leptocephalus larvae after two or three days.
Breeding interval: Megalops atlanticus spawns once annually
Breeding season: Evidence now suggests that tarpon can spawn throughout the year, but most spawn May to August
Range number of offspring: 4.5 million to 20.7 million.
Average number of offspring: 12 million.
Range gestation period: 2 to 3 days.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 6 to 13 years.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 6 to 13 years.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; year-round breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (External ); broadcast (group) spawning; oviparous
Tarpon expend energy travelling to their breeding grounds and producing their eggs and sperm, but they make no further investment in their offspring.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement
El tarpó[1] (Megalops atlanticus) és una espècie de peix elopiforme de la família Megalopidae.
És un peix de gran grandària, d'entre 2 i 2,5 m i al voltant de 150 kg de pes, de cos fusiforme semblant a un areng, totalment cobert de grans i gruixudes escates, verda azulat en la part superior en els seus costats. L'aleta dorsal comença en la meitat del dors i en l'últim radi, igual que succeeix amb l'aleta anal, s'allarga fins a formar un filament. Les aletes pectorals es troben en posició baixa i les pelvianes són abdominals. Habiten a les zones costaneres de l'Atlàntic, Florida i a Àfrica en latituds tropicals. També habiten estuaris i fins i tot rius i llacs. S'Agrupen en bancs per perseguir, de vegades fins a aigües dolces, als peixos dels quals s'alimenten.
El tarpó (Megalops atlanticus) és una espècie de peix elopiforme de la família Megalopidae.
Der Atlantische Tarpun (Megalops atlanticus) ist ein großer, maximal 2,5 Meter lang werdender Knochenfisch, der im östlichen Atlantik von Senegal bis Angola und im westlichen Atlantik von North Carolina bis Bahia in Brasilien sowie in der Karibik und im Golf von Mexiko vorkommt. Gelegentlich werden sie auch nördlich ihres normalen Verbreitungsgebietes, an den Küsten Portugals, des südlichen, atlantischen Frankreichs, bei den Azoren und an der nordamerikanischen Küste nördlich bis Nova Scotia angetroffen. Eine Population vor Panama im östlichen, zentralen Pazifik muss auf Exemplare zurückgehen, die durch den Panamakanal gewandert sind.
Der Atlantische Tarpun ist von großen, silbrig glänzenden Schuppen bedeckt. Sein Rücken ist blaugrau. Er hat ein oberständiges Maul und eine schräge Mundspalte. Die Rückenflosse ist kurz und sitzt über der Körpermitte. Ihr letzter Flossenstrahl ist verlängert. Die Afterflosse beginnt unter dem Ende der Rückenflosse, sie ist länger als diese. Die Schwanzflosse ist tief gegabelt. Der Brustflossenansatz sitzt sehr tief. Der bisher schwerste gefangene Atlantische Tarpun wog 161 Kilogramm. Außerdem kann er Geschwindigkeiten von bis zu 40 km/h erreichen.
Die Schwimmblase ist mit der Speiseröhre verbunden, kann mit atmosphärischer Luft gefüllt werden und ermöglicht es den Fischen, in sauerstoffarmem Wasser zu leben.
Flossenformel: Dorsale 13–16, Anale 22–25
Die Fische leben küstennah in Buchten und mangrovengesäumten Lagunen, sie gehen auch in Brackwasser, in Flussmündungen auch in Süßwasser. Sie ernähren sich von Schwarmfischen wie Sardinen, Meeräschen, Snooks und auch von Krabben. Der Atlantische Tarpun ist sehr fruchtbar, bei einem 2,03 Meter langen Weibchen wurden 12 Millionen Eier festgestellt. Die Larven machen ein bandförmiges Leptocephalusstadium durch und wandern in Flussmündungen und Sümpfe, um sich dort zur Fischgestalt umzuwandeln.
Der Atlantische Tarpun ist wegen seiner „spektakulären Kämpfe“ bei Hochseeanglern sehr begehrt. Sein Fleisch wird frisch oder eingesalzen vermarktet. In Kolumbien werden die Fische in Aquakultur gehalten. Die großen Schuppen werden zu Kunstgegenständen verarbeitet oder bei der Herstellung von künstlichen Perlen verwendet.
Der Atlantische Tarpun (Megalops atlanticus) ist ein großer, maximal 2,5 Meter lang werdender Knochenfisch, der im östlichen Atlantik von Senegal bis Angola und im westlichen Atlantik von North Carolina bis Bahia in Brasilien sowie in der Karibik und im Golf von Mexiko vorkommt. Gelegentlich werden sie auch nördlich ihres normalen Verbreitungsgebietes, an den Küsten Portugals, des südlichen, atlantischen Frankreichs, bei den Azoren und an der nordamerikanischen Küste nördlich bis Nova Scotia angetroffen. Eine Population vor Panama im östlichen, zentralen Pazifik muss auf Exemplare zurückgehen, die durch den Panamakanal gewandert sind.
The Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is a ray-finned fish that inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. It is also known as the silver king. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean, typically in tropical and subtropical regions, though it has been reported as far north as Nova Scotia and the Atlantic coast of southern France, and as far south as Argentina. As with all elopiformes, it spawns at sea. Its diet includes small fish and crustaceans.[5]
The tarpon has a reputation for great aerobatics, attaining astonishing size, and having impressive armored scales. It is generally considered to be of poor food quality, but it is highly valued as a game fish by recreational fishermen.
Atlantic tarpon evolved approximately 18 million years ago and are one of the oldest living fish.[6]
It has been recorded at up to 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) in length and weighing up to 161 kg (355 lb).[7] Males rarely weigh more than 100 pounds.[6]
A tarpon is capable of filling its swim bladder with air, like a primitive lung. This gives it a predatory advantage when oxygen levels in the water are low. In appearance, it is greenish or bluish on top and silver on the sides. The large mouth is turned upwards and the lower jaw contains an elongated, bony plate. The last ray of the dorsal fin is much longer than the others, reaching nearly to the tail.[6]
The Atlantic tarpon's most significant predators are sharks and humans.[7]
The diet of the Atlantic tarpon changes as the fish grows with those in the leptocephalus stage absorbing nutrients directly from the water, those in the juvenile stage eating zooplankton and other small prey, and adults primarily consuming fish, crabs, and shrimp.[8]
The scales of Atlantic tarpon have been used as nail files and for decorative purposes since pre-history. Their crushed up scales also feature in traditional medicine, particularly in Brazil.[9]
An Atlantic tarpon is depicted in the fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel completed by Michelangelo around 1510.[10]
The Atlantic tarpon was first described scientifically by zoologist Achille Valenciennes in 1847 as Megalops atlanticus, Megalops being inspired by their large eyes.[6]
The tarpon is the official state saltwater fish of the American state of Alabama.[11][12]
Atlantic tarpon adapt well to urban and suburban environments due to their tolerance for boat traffic and low water quality. Around humans Atlantic tarpon are primarily nocturnal.[13]
While the Atlantic tarpon is rarely consumed in the United States, subsistence and commercial fisheries exist in a number of countries.[7] Both their meat and roe are consumed.[8]
Tarpons are considered one of the great saltwater game fishes, not only because of their size and their accessible haunts, but also because of their fighting spirit when hooked; they are very strong, making spectacular leaps into the air. They are the largest species targeted by fly fishermen in shallow water.[14] The flesh is undesirable, commonly described as being smelly and bony. In Florida and Alabama, a special permit is required to kill and keep a tarpon, so most tarpon fishing there is catch and release. In Texas they are a revered game fish with only potential state records (fish over 75 inches) allowed to be kept.[15]
Tarpon are known by English speaking anglers as “The Silver King."[16]
Since tarpons are not commercially valuable as a food fish, very little has been documented concerning their geographical distribution and migrations. They inhabit both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Their range in the eastern Atlantic has been reliably established from Senegal to the Congo. Tarpons inhabiting the western Atlantic are principally found to populate warmer coastal waters primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the West Indies. Nonetheless, they are regularly caught by anglers at Cape Hatteras and as far as Nova Scotia, Bermuda, and south to Argentina.[17] In the Gulf of Mexico there are two distinct populations divided by the Mississippi River Delta.[15]
Atlantic tarpon are highly migratory and often cross international boundaries. This introduces challenges in management and conservation.[7]
Scientific studies indicate schools have routinely migrated through the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific and back for over 80 years.[18][17] Since tarpons tolerate a wide range of salinity and are opportunistic feeders, their migrations are limited only by water temperatures. They prefer water temperatures of 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F); below 16 °C (61 °F) they become inactive, and temperatures under 4 °C (39 °F) can be lethal. A large tarpon community is found in the Rio San Juan and Lake Nicaragua.[19] In the Pacific a population has become established in Costa Rica.[20]
Atlantic tarpon breed in spawning aggregations in the open ocean. Atlantic tarpon share a unique larval stage known as a leptocephalus with bonefish, ladyfish, and eels. Unlike the larvae of other fish these larvae do not eat as their long slender bodies have very low energy requirements. While larvae the Atlantic tarpon's teeth grow pointed forward to keep debris out of their mouth. The leptocephali develop into juveniles which make their way inshore, often into stagnant water with a very low oxygen content which can't be tolerated by most of their predators. When they are about three years old Atlantic tarpon migrate from these backwater habitats to a variety of nearshore ones, growing rapidly but primarily in length as opposed to girth. At around eight years of age an Atlantic tarpon reaches its sexual maturity and begins to gain length as well as girth. Growth rates also diverge at this point with males growing much slower than females. Sexually mature Atlantic tarpon will begin migrating to join spawning aggregations.[6]
The Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is a ray-finned fish that inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. It is also known as the silver king. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean, typically in tropical and subtropical regions, though it has been reported as far north as Nova Scotia and the Atlantic coast of southern France, and as far south as Argentina. As with all elopiformes, it spawns at sea. Its diet includes small fish and crustaceans.
The tarpon has a reputation for great aerobatics, attaining astonishing size, and having impressive armored scales. It is generally considered to be of poor food quality, but it is highly valued as a game fish by recreational fishermen.
El sábalo real o tarpón (especie Megalops atlanticus), es un pez osteíctio elopiforme de la familia de los megalópidos.
Es un pez de gran tamaño, de entre 2 y 2,5 m y alrededor de 150 a 161 kg de peso, de cuerpo fusiforme parecido a un arenque, totalmente cubierto de grandes y gruesas escamas, verde azulado en la parte superior y plateado en sus costados. La aleta dorsal empieza en la mitad del dorso y en el último radio, al igual que sucede con la aleta anal, se alarga hasta formar un filamento. Las aletas pectorales se encuentran en posición baja y las pelvianas son abdominales.
Los sábalos reales habitan en las zonas costeras del Atlántico, Florida y en África en latitudes tropicales. También habitan estuarios e incluso ríos y lagos. Se Agrupan en bancos para perseguir, a veces hasta aguas dulces, a los peces de los que se alimentan.
Su carne no es especialmente agradable pero su gran tamaño lo hacen una presa deseable para la pesca deportiva. Tanto en Tecolutla, México, como en Río San Juan, Nicaragua, se celebran cada año sendas competiciones internacionales de pesca de sábalo. En Costa Rica, en Barra del Colorado, se encuentra la mayor concentración de sábalos del Caribe y también se promueve la pesca y liberación para la protección de la especie.
El sábalo real o tarpón (especie Megalops atlanticus), es un pez osteíctio elopiforme de la familia de los megalópidos.
Es un pez de gran tamaño, de entre 2 y 2,5 m y alrededor de 150 a 161 kg de peso, de cuerpo fusiforme parecido a un arenque, totalmente cubierto de grandes y gruesas escamas, verde azulado en la parte superior y plateado en sus costados. La aleta dorsal empieza en la mitad del dorso y en el último radio, al igual que sucede con la aleta anal, se alarga hasta formar un filamento. Las aletas pectorales se encuentran en posición baja y las pelvianas son abdominales.
Los sábalos reales habitan en las zonas costeras del Atlántico, Florida y en África en latitudes tropicales. También habitan estuarios e incluso ríos y lagos. Se Agrupan en bancos para perseguir, a veces hasta aguas dulces, a los peces de los que se alimentan.
Su carne no es especialmente agradable pero su gran tamaño lo hacen una presa deseable para la pesca deportiva. Tanto en Tecolutla, México, como en Río San Juan, Nicaragua, se celebran cada año sendas competiciones internacionales de pesca de sábalo. En Costa Rica, en Barra del Colorado, se encuentra la mayor concentración de sábalos del Caribe y también se promueve la pesca y liberación para la protección de la especie.
Megalops atlanticus Megalopidae familiako arraina da, ur gazitan eta ur gezatan bizi dena. Atlantiko osoan bizi da.[1] Ez da oso ona jateko baina 2,5 metroko luzera eta 161 kg. ere dituenez, arrantzaleak bere bila doaz.
Artikulu hau biologiari buruzko zirriborroa da. Wikipedia lagun dezakezu edukia osatuz. Megalops atlanticus Megalopidae familiako arraina da, ur gazitan eta ur gezatan bizi dena. Atlantiko osoan bizi da. Ez da oso ona jateko baina 2,5 metroko luzera eta 161 kg. ere dituenez, arrantzaleak bere bila doaz.
Tarponi (Megalops atlanticus) eli tarpooniSisällysluettelo
Tarponin suomut ovat suuret ja hopeanhohtoiset. Ruumis on sivuilta litistynyt ja selkäevän takakärki on pidentynyt siimamaiseksi.
Tarponia tavataan Atlantissa Pohjois- ja Länsi-Afrikan sekä Pohjois- Etelä-Amerikan rannikkovesillä lauhkealle vyöhykkeelle asti. Sitä tavataan myös Meksikonlahden saarten lähistöllä. Yleensä se oleskelee noin 30 metrin syvyydessä.
Tarponin ruokavalioon kuuluu erilaisia kaloja ja äyriäisiä.
Tarponinaaras tuottaa kerralla jopa 12 miljoonaa mätimunaa, jotka sirotellaan ulapalle. Poikaset hakeutuvat suojaisiin jokisuistoihin ja mangrovemetsiin kehittymään. Poikaset varttuvat hitaasti; ne käyvät läpi 11 kasvuvaihetta ennen aikuistumista ja tarponi saavuttaakin sukukypsyyden vasta 6-7 vuoden iässä, jolloin ne ovat noin metrin pituisia. Vastakuoriutuneita poikasia kutsutaan leptocephaluksiksi samoin kuin ankeriaiden poikasia vaikka niillä ei ole minkäänlaisia sukulaisuussuhteita.
Tarponi on esiintymisalueellaan hyvin suosittu urheilukalastuksen kohde, sillä se on voimakas kala joka taistelee aggressiivisesti päästäkseen koukusta. Tarponia kutsutaan paikoin myös hopeakuninkaaksi. Vaikka tarponi on kookas petokala, se ei tiettävästi ole ihmiselle vaarallinen.
Tarponi (Megalops atlanticus) eli tarpoonilähde? on hieman yli kahden metrin pituiseksi kasvava petokala. Suurimpien tiedetään painaneen n. 160 kg.
Le tarpon de l'Atlantique (Megalops atlanticus) est une des deux espèces de tarpons du genre Megalops.
Les femelles mesurent en moyenne 1,67 m et les mâles 1,45 m de long[1].
Les juvéniles se nourrissent de zooplancton, de petits poissons et d'insectes. Les adultes se nourrissent uniquement de poissons (dont Lagodon rhomboides et Strongylura marina) et de crustacés. Ils avalent leurs proies entières à cause de la petite taille de leur dents[1].
Les principaux prédateurs de Megalops atlanticus sont le requin-bouledogue, le grand requin-marteau et l'Alligator d'Amérique[1].
Le tarpon de l'Atlantique (Megalops atlanticus) est une des deux espèces de tarpons du genre Megalops.
Silfurkóngur (eða Tarpúnn) (fræðiheiti: Megalops atlanticus) er fiskur sem lifir undan ströndum Flórída og er vinsæll veiðifiskur; getur orðið nær tveir metrar að lengd.
Il tarpone (Megalops atlanticus Valenciennes, 1847) è un pesce di acqua salata appartenente alla famiglia Megalopidae.
Questa specie è diffusa nelle aree costiere dell'oceano Atlantico, nelle lagune, in alcuni fiumi e in estuari negli Stati Uniti e a Cuba. Sono stati avvistati esemplari anche nei pressi della Nuova Scozia, nella Francia meridionale, in Argentina ed anche in Messico.
Il tarpone è caratterizzato dalla particolare forma della bocca, poiché è rivolta verso l'alto. La sua colorazione si presenta bluastra oppure verdastra nella parte superiore, mentre ai lati è argentea; per questo viene anche chiamato re d'argento. Una particolarità di questi pesci è che la vescica natatoria è quasi totalmente trasformata in polmone, permettendo di trattenere l'ossigeno anche in acque a poca densità di ossigeno. Può raggiungere la lunghezza massima di 2,5 m, per il peso massimo di 161 kg.
Si nutre prevalentemente di piccoli pesci e di crostacei.
Il tarpone viene largamente pescato negli Stati Uniti meridionali, come l'Alabama e la Florida. È ambito sia a livello commerciale che a livello sportivo data la sua mole e la sua elevata combattività.
Il tarpone (Megalops atlanticus Valenciennes, 1847) è un pesce di acqua salata appartenente alla famiglia Megalopidae.
De tarpoen (Megalops atlanticus), soms Atlantische tarpoen, is een straalvinnige vissensoort uit de familie van tarpons (Megalopidae).[2] De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort is voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd in 1847 door Valenciennes.
Deze grote en krachtige vissen hebben een hoog lichaam met grote, zilverglanzende schubben, een bovenstandige mond en grote ogen. Tevens hebben ze een diepgevorkte staartvin en een verlengde achterste rugvinstraal. De lichaamslengte bedraagt 130 tot 250 cm en het gewicht tot 160 kg.
Het voedsel van deze vissen bestaat uit sardines, ansjovissen en zeebarbelen.
Als de vrouwtjes zo'n zes jaar oud zijn worden grote hoeveeldheden eitjes (tot 12 miljoen per vrouwtje) afgezet in volle zee. De larven spoelen naar de kust waar ze in zoutwater, brakke estuaria of zoetwater tot volwassen dieren verder uitgroeien.
Ze leven in de Atlantische Oceaan in kustzeeën en soms zwemmen ze riviermondingen binnen. Tarpons kunnen in zuurstofarm water (riviermond bij eb) overleven door lucht te happen.
Bronnen, noten en/of referentiesDe tarpoen (Megalops atlanticus), soms Atlantische tarpoen, is een straalvinnige vissensoort uit de familie van tarpons (Megalopidae). De wetenschappelijke naam van de soort is voor het eerst geldig gepubliceerd in 1847 door Valenciennes.
Multimedia w Wikimedia Commons Tarpon atlantycki[3], tarpon[4] (Megalops atlanticus) – gatunek elopsokształtnej ryby amfidromicznej z rodziny tarponowatych (Megalopidae).
Atlantyk od Francji i Karoliny Północnej po Angolę i Argentynę. Przez Kanał Panamski przedostał się do Pacyfiku.
Żyje w wodach przybrzeżnych, na rafach, w lagunach i zatokach, często wchodzi do wód słodkich. W słabo natlenionych wodach oddycha powietrzem atmosferycznym za pomocą pęcherza pławnego. Zazwyczaj przebywa na głębokości do 15 m, maksymalnie do 30 m.
Dorasta do 250 cm długości i 161 kg masy ciała. Łuska duża, do 10 cm średnicy.
Tarpon atlantycki, tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) – gatunek elopsokształtnej ryby amfidromicznej z rodziny tarponowatych (Megalopidae).
Megalops atlanticus[1][2] é uma espécie costeira popularmente conhecida no Brasil como pirapema ou camurupim e em inglês como tarpon, sendo encontrado desde o Amapá até a região norte do Espírito Santo, habitando os canais de mangue e águas fluviais que desembocam no mar quando juvenis (áreas de baixa salinidade) e costa em geral durante a fase adulta. Os exemplares menores vivem em grandes cardumes, ao passo que os maiores em pares ou solitários. Existem registros de exemplares com mais de 100 kg. Sua dieta consiste principalmente de pequenos peixes e crustáceos.[3]
O camurupim é capaz de encher sua bexiga natatória com ar, de forma semelhante a um pulmão primitivo. Assim, esse peixe consegue sobreviver em ambientes com baixo nível de oxigênio na água.
Megalops atlanticus é uma espécie costeira popularmente conhecida no Brasil como pirapema ou camurupim e em inglês como tarpon, sendo encontrado desde o Amapá até a região norte do Espírito Santo, habitando os canais de mangue e águas fluviais que desembocam no mar quando juvenis (áreas de baixa salinidade) e costa em geral durante a fase adulta. Os exemplares menores vivem em grandes cardumes, ao passo que os maiores em pares ou solitários. Existem registros de exemplares com mais de 100 kg. Sua dieta consiste principalmente de pequenos peixes e crustáceos.
O camurupim é capaz de encher sua bexiga natatória com ar, de forma semelhante a um pulmão primitivo. Assim, esse peixe consegue sobreviver em ambientes com baixo nível de oxigênio na água.
Cá cháo lớn Đại Tây Dương (tên khoa học Megalops atlanticus) là một loài cá thuộc họ Cá cháo lớn chủ yếu phục vụ cho mục đích câu thể thao. Chúng có thể dài tới 2,44 m (8 ft) và đôi khi nặng tới 90 kg (200 pao).
Bề ngoài Cá cháo lớn Đại Tây Dương màu trắng bạc. Vây lưng duy nhất không có gai. Số lượng tia vây lưng: 13-21, tia vây lưng cuối cùng dạng sợi. Các vây ngực rất thấp. Vây hậu môn với 22-29 tia vây. Vây hông với 10-11 tia vây. Bong bóng nằm đối diện với hộp sọ, dài khoảng 2 cm. Cá bột trong mờ, đầu hẹp.
Chúng sinh sống ở vùng nước ven biển, cửa sông, đầm phá, và các con sông. Chúng hầu như chỉ ăn cá bơi theo bầy đôi khi ăn cua. Chúng có khả năng làm đầy bong bóng bơi lội của chúng bằng không khí, giống như một lá phổi nguyên thủy. Điều này cho phép chúng có một lợi thế săn mồi khi mức độ oxy trong nước thấp.
Bài viết Lớp Cá vây tia này vẫn còn sơ khai. Bạn có thể giúp Wikipedia bằng cách mở rộng nội dung để bài được hoàn chỉnh hơn. Cá cháo lớn Đại Tây Dương (tên khoa học Megalops atlanticus) là một loài cá thuộc họ Cá cháo lớn chủ yếu phục vụ cho mục đích câu thể thao. Chúng có thể dài tới 2,44 m (8 ft) và đôi khi nặng tới 90 kg (200 pao).
Megalops atlanticus Valenciennes, 1847
Синонимы
Атлантический тарпон[1][2] (лат. Megalops atlanticus) — морская рыба рода тарпонов монотипического семейства тарпоновых.
Максимальная длина тела 250 см, а масса — 161 кг[3]. Продолжительность жизни до 55 лет[4].
Тело удлинённое, сжато с боков, покрыто очень крупной чешуёй. Голова большая, её длина составляет 25—31 % от стандартной длины тела. Косой, верхний рот, нижняя челюсть сильно выдаётся вперёд. Несмотря на довольно большой рот, у атлантического тарпона зубы на челюстях, сошнике, нёбе, костях ротовой полости и основании черепа очень мелкие, ворсинковидные, сидят плотно друг к другу. Вдоль нижней челюсти тянется удлинённая костная пластинка, служащая для перемалывания твёрдой пищи. Спинной плавник с коротким основанием расположен в средней части спины. Его передняя часть намного выше задней. В плавнике 13—15 мягких лучей, последний луч значительно длиннее остальных и достигает хвостового стебля.
Анальный плавник с 22—25 мягкими лучами, передняя часть более высокая и имеет треугольную форму. У взрослых особей последний луч также удлинён¸ но в меньшей степени, чем в случае спинного плавника. Боковая линия с 41—48 прободёнными чешуйками, поры разветвлённые. Позвонков 53—57[5].
Бока тела и брюхо серебристого цвета, спина и верх головы с синим или тёмно-зелёным оттенком. Однако окраска тела может принимать коричневый или латунный оттенок в зависимости от места обитания. Спинной и анальный плавники имеют тёмные края.
Уникальной характеристикой во внутреннем строении атлантического тарпона является модификация плавательного пузыря. Пузырь соединён протоком с пищеводом, что открывает прямой доступ в него воздуха, поступающего при заглатывании тарпоном воздуха из атмосферы. Стенки пузыря со всех сторон окружены губчатой альвеолярной тканью, пронизанной капиллярами. Атлантический тарпон вместе с близкородственным индо-тихоокеанским тарпоном являются единственными морскими рыбами, способными дышать атмосферным воздухом, используя для этого плавательный пузырь[6][7].
Широко распространёны в Атлантическом океане. Вдоль побережья Африки встречаются от Сенегала до Анголы, единично — в прибрежных водах Португалии, Азорских островов и юга Франции. В западной части Атлантического океана наиболее многочисленны в Мексиканском заливе, у берегов Флориды и Вест-Индии. Северная граница ареала доходит до полуострова Кейп-Код и Новой Шотландии, а южная — до Аргентины. Отмечены единичные поимки в Тихом океане у Панамского канала и острова Койба[8].
Обитают недалеко от берега на глубине 0—30 м, обычно не глубже 15 м. Могут заходить в солоноватоводные заливы, эстуарии и даже в пресноводные устья рек.
Атлантические тарпоны впервые созревают в возрасте 6—7 лет. Длина тела впервые созревающих самок варьирует от 110 до 128 см, а самцов — от 90 до 120 см. У берегов Флориды нерестятся в мае—августе, а у побережья Бразилии в октябре—январе. По некоторым данным могут нереститься в течение всего года. Места нереста точно неизвестны, но вероятно расположены на значительном удалении от берега. Интенсивность нереста, по-видимому, связана с лунными циклами и его пики наблюдаются через 3—5 дней после полнолуния и в течение недели после новолуния[9]. Плодовитость зависит от размеров самок и колеблется от 4,5 до 20,7 млн икринок. Отмечены особи, повторно созревающие в течение одного сезона[10][11][12].
Продолжительность инкубационного периода составляет 2—3 дня. Из икринок вылупляются прозрачные личинки лентовидной формы, так называемые лептоцефалы. В своём развитии личинки проходят три стадии. Продолжительность первой стадии 2—3 месяца, за это время личинки вырастают от 6 до 28 мм. Вторая стадия продолжается 20—25 дней, а длина тела уменьшается до 14—15 мм. В третьей стадии личинки продолжают расти в течение 7—8 недель. При длине тела около 40 мм проходит метаморфоз и молодь приобретает внешний вид взрослых особей. Пелагические личинки постепенно переносятся течениями ближе к берегу[8][13].
Личинки на первой стадии развития абсорбируют питательные вещества из воды через покровы тела. На второй стадии личинки начинают питаться зоопланктоном, преимущественно копеподами и остракодами. Помимо зоопланктона в состав рациона молоди входят насекомые и мелкие рыбы. По мере роста всё большую роль в питании играют рыбы (пецилиевые и карпозубовые), а также крупные беспозвоночные (креветки и крабы). Взрослые особи атлантического тарпона являются хищниками и питаются рыбой (кефалевые, спаровые, морские сомообразные, сельдевые, саргановые), креветками и крабами[8].
Атлантический тарпон избран одним из официальных символов штата Алабама[14].
Атлантический тарпон (лат. Megalops atlanticus) — морская рыба рода тарпонов монотипического семейства тарпоновых.
分類 界 : 動物界 Animalia 門 : 脊索動物門 Chordata 亜門 : 脊椎動物亜門 Vertebrata 綱 : 条鰭綱 Actinopterygii 目 : カライワシ目 Elopiformes 科 : イセゴイ科 Megalopidae 属 : イセゴイ属 Megalops 種 : ターポン M. atlanticus 学名 Megalops atlanticusターポン （学名: Megalops atlanticus 英名：Atlantic tarpon、アトランティック・ターポン）は、カライワシ目イセゴイ科に属する魚。
体長は最大で250 cm、体重は最大161 kg の個体が記録されている。太古よりほとんど形状を変えることなく現代まで生き延びてきた古代魚であり、体の構造には原始的な特徴が見られる。背中側は緑あるいは青みがかっており、両脇は銀色である。 背びれの端の鰭条はほかのものよりも非常に長く、尾の近くまで及ぶ。大きな口は上向きに開いており、下顎には延長された骨板が含まれている。これは古代魚の特徴である。
大西洋の主に熱帯から亜熱帯にかけての地域で見られるが、それより遥かに北のノバスコシアや南フランスの大西洋岸、あるいは遥かに南のアルゼンチンでも報告がある。太平洋には同属のイセゴイ（Megalops cyprinoides） が生息しており、ターポンの和名として「タイセイヨウイセゴイ」という呼称が使われることもある。
海洋の沿岸部や河口、ラグーン、河川などに生息し、さまざまな魚やカニなどの甲殻類を餌とする。
浮き袋を空気で満たし、そこから空気を取り出す能力を持つ。
他のカライワシ目の魚同様にターポンも海で産卵する。一度に産む卵は1,200万個にも及び、卵から生まれた稚魚はレプトケファルス幼生を経て成魚となる。
肉に毒などはなく食べられるが、小骨がやたらと多い上に金属的な臭みがあり、食用には適さないとされていて水産的な利用も殆どされていない。
ターポンは別名「シルバー・キング（Silver King）」の名で知られ、その大きさや手軽な生息地だけでなく、かかった時の抵抗の強さなどのために、生息地域の釣り人の間では海水域で最もすばらしいゲームフィッシュ（GameFish：スポーツフィッシングの対象魚）の一つと見なされており、日本からも、多くの釣り人がターポン釣りを目的として南米などの生息地を訪れている。
夜間にダイバーが潜水していると、光に引き寄せられて集まった小魚などを狙ってターポンが急接近し、その体の大きさもあってダイバーを驚かせることもある。
大型の肉食魚だが、意図的に人間を襲うことはなく、人が被害を受けたという例はない。
だが、ニカラグアの川周辺は200kg-300kgの超巨大なターポンが存在するというが信憑性は定かではない。その超巨大ターポンは、とても凶暴と言われており、漁師の死亡事故も度々報告されている。主に死亡原因は突進して頭突きを食らわせるといった感じである[1]。
この項目は、魚類に関連した書きかけの項目です。この項目を加筆・訂正などしてくださる協力者を求めています（Portal:生き物と自然/プロジェクト:生物）。 ターポン （学名: Megalops atlanticus 英名：Atlantic tarpon、アトランティック・ターポン）は、カライワシ目イセゴイ科に属する魚。
