Indo-Pacific tarpon
(Megalops cyprinoides)
General data
The Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides), also known as the oxeye herring or simply herring, is the smaller of the two species of tarpon and lives in Indo-Pacific waters.
In appearance, it is like the much larger Atlantic tarpon, M. atlanticus - olive-green on top, and silver on the sides. The large mouth is turned upwards; 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. It is capable of filling its swim bladder with air and absorbing oxygen from it.
Those living in fresh water tend to be smaller than the ones living in saltwater, growing just over 50 cm (20 in), while saltwater examples grow over 1 m (3.3 ft). They live upwards of 44 years and mature within two. They complete their metamorphosis from their larval stage in 10 days.
