Indo-Pacific tarpon

Indo-Pacific tarpon ( Megalops cyprinoides )

The Indo-Pacific tarpon ( Megalops cyprinoides ) is a large, maximum 1.5 meters long expectant bony fish, which is found in tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific.

Features

Most, however, the fish only reach a length of 30 to 45 centimeters. The maximum published weight is 18 kg and the maximum age is 44 years. The fish are covered with large scales. Their color is blue above green, the flanks are silvery. The lower jaw projecting well above the upper jaw. The Indo-Pacific tarpon has more than 23 Branchiostegalstrahlen. Still located between the jaw bone to a bony center plate. The last fin ray of the dorsal fin is elongated stringy. The pectoral fins are far below the base of the pelvic fins just below the beginning of the dorsal fin. A lung -like swim bladder helps the animals in oxygen-poor water to survive. 37 to 42 scales extending along the lateral line. The fish have 67-68 vertebrae.

Fins formula: Dorsal 16-21, Anal 23-31, Ventral 9

Dissemination

The fish live in the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific from Natal to the Society Islands. North of the fish come to South Korea before, south to the Arafura Sea between Australia and the island of New Guinea and New South Wales.

The population of the Indian Ocean penetrates far into East African rivers one, especially in the lower Zambezi River and its tributaries, and is found even in the lower Shire in Malawi and in the Save in Zimbabwe.

Way of life

Adult Indo-Pacific tarpon are mainly ocean denizens, the predator feed on fish and crustaceans. Juveniles inhabit rivers, estuaries, bays and mangroves. They tolerate low-oxygen water, a fluctuating salinity and a pH from 5.2 to 9.1. The fish spawn offshore, probably throughout the year. The larvae are band-shaped, transparent and resemble, except for its forked tail fin, which the Eels ( Leptocephaluslarven ).

Use

The Indo-Pacific tarpon is caught by deep-sea fishermen. The roe is collected on the coasts and raised the hatched young fish commercially in aquaculture. He is not considered a good food fish.