Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) is a saltwater, freshwater, brackish species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia. It is found at depths of 1–50 m.
Scientific name: Megalops cyprinoides · Water: Saltwater, Freshwater, Brackish
Size: up to 150 cm
The Indo-Pacific tarpon is an obligate air-breather that must rise to the surface to gulp air - which is why it is so often seen breaking the surface in river mouths and inner bays, and the surest clue to identifying it. Adults are generally marine, while the young enter river mouths, inner bays and mangroves and push up into rivers, lagoons and swamps; it tolerates salinities from 0 to 100 and pH 5.2-9.1. It is mainly diurnal and predatory, taking fishes and crustaceans. It can live 44 years, commonly about 30 cm and up to 150 cm. It is pond-cultured. IUCN lists it as Data Deficient.
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