This week’s creature, the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), is a common and appropriately named inhabitant of GTMO’s waters. This is because the tarpon is a large game fish species (megalops) common to the waters of the Atlantic (atlanticus). Tarpon are also commonly found in the Caribbean, Central and South America.
Physically, the tarpon is a large-mouthed fish with mirror-like sides (sometimes exhibiting a green metallic sheen), large scales and a forward-thrusting jaw. Typically weighing from 30 to 100 pounds, tarpon are believed to live for up to 55 years.
Tarpon in the 75 to 130 pound class are also not uncommon. A slow-growing species, maturity is believed to occur between 7 and 13 years of age. They are often observed gulping air as they swim along the surface of the water and are one of several fish species that can breathe atmospheric oxygen via a lung-like bladder. This adaptation is believed to enable the juvenile and adult stages to survive a wide range of aquatic conditions. These varying conditions include temperature, salinity and the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water column. The ability to survive using atmospheric oxygen instead of dissolved oxygen also makes the tarpon an excellent indicator species or one that serves as an indicator of water quality. This is because the tarpon can survive in low levels of dissolved oxygen, providing some clues as to whether site-specific fish kills are related to low dissolved oxygen levels or a toxicant in the water.
Tarpon can be observed in both fresh and saltwater environments. The larval stage is usually found in open oceans while juveniles tend towards salt marshes, mangrove forests and tidal rivers. Adults are often found in open waters. They typically school during the day and are known to occupy territories for years. Locally, tarpon frequent the open waters of the bay, the mangrove forests along the shoreline, the Guantanamo River and the open waters of the Caribbean Sea. Large schools have been observed along the reefs off of Leeward Point. In terms of diet, tarpon feed both day and night, consuming small fish, crustaceans, detritus and mosquito larvae. They are voracious feeders that strike their prey quickly.
Although known as an excellent game species, little is known of the tarpon’s life history. Spawning occurs offshore and females can lay as many as 12 million eggs. Males are known to congregate during spawning and it is reported that migrations have only been observed in association with spawning activity. Tarpon are economically important as a game species and are protected in many areas. Population declines throughout their range are primarily associated with the loss of tidal wetlands and mangrove forests deemed critical to the survival of juvenile fish. Locally, tarpon are a catch and release species only per COMNAVBASEGTMOINST 1710.10F. They may not be taken by spear gun. Please help conserve local game fish species by adhering to conservation regulations and protecting local mangrove forests from trash and debris. Conservation begins with you.
.