Tarpon

The tarpon is a large coastal fish prized by anglers. The tarpon is considered one of the great saltwater game fishes, not only because of the size it can reach and its accessible haunts, but because of its fighting spirit when hooked; it is very strong, making spectacular leaps into the air. The last ray of the dorsal fin is extended into a long filament, almost reaching the tail. Dorsally, tarpon usually appear dark blue to greenish-black. However, the color may appear brownish or brassy for individuals inhabiting inland waters. The dorsal and caudal fins have dusky margins and often appear dark. The flesh is undesirable and bony. The tarpon has huge scales and a large mouth that points upward. Tarpons are found primarily inshore, inhibiting coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons and rivers, although adult fish spawn offshore. When tarpons are swimming in oxygen poor water they can breathe air from the surface. Tarpon feed on various fish and crab. Tarpon have the nickname of “silver king,” descriptive of the bright flash that reflects from its large silver scales when it jumps into the air. The synonym "silver king" refers to the predominant bright silver color along the sides and belly of the tarpon. Female tarpon can grow to lengths of over 8.2 feet and reach weights of near 355 pounds, with the males generally smaller. Tarpon are slow-growing fish and male tarpon attain life spans of over 30 years, while females may live longer than 50 years. In Florida and Alabama, a special permit is required to kill and keep a tarpon, so most tarpon fishing is catch-and-release.

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Tarpon