Costa Rica Species
Megalops atlanticus
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Megalops atlanticus

Tarpon

Valenciennes, 1847

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large bony fish, known for its large silvery scales giving it a metallic appearance. It has a prominent lower jaw and a dorsal fin with a characteristic long filament.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Julia Trouin

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Actinopterygii
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Elopiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Megalopidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Megalops
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Valenciennes, 1847
Record Completeness
66%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Decreasing

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Carnivore

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Euryhaline species inhabiting coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and occasionally rivers.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Highly migratory species with primarily nocturnal habits.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Observed both solitary and in schools.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Active ambush predator.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Top predator in coastal environments.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Spawning in the open ocean.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

100.0 - 250.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

10.00 kg - 160.00 kg

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1000000 - 12000000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

6 - 10 Years

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

3 - 5

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males55 Years
Females55 Years

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Vascularized swim bladder allowing atmospheric air breathing.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Intensive recreational fishing, degradation of nursery habitats.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

They can live over 50 years.