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Atlantic tarpon

(Megalops atlanticus)

 

Category: Fish

 

 

These large, striking fish are typically found in tropical and sub-tropical coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers in and near the Atlantic Ocean. Its ability to fill its swim-bladder like a primitive lung gives it a survival advantage in oxygen-poor waters. They are highly valued as saltwater game fish due to their size, accessible haunts, and fighting spirit when hooked. Otherwise, they are not a commercially valuable fish and very little has been documented concerning their worldwide geographical distribution and migration.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_tarpon

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Actinopterygii
Order - Elopiformes
Family - Megalopidae
Genus - Megalops
Species - M. atlanticus

 
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Interesting Animal Facts

The fish that could drown (and other amazing tales)

Fish are masters of aquatic living, though some manage to do pretty well on land, too! Of living species, the mudskipper is probably the best adapted to life out of water - in fact, a mudskipper will drown if it can’t periodically come to the surface! This unusual fish uses its powerful, almost leg-like fins to walk on land and can even use them to “skip” up to 2 feet in the air! Similar to many amphibians, the mudskipper is able to breathe through its skin and the linings of its mouth and throat. It also seals water in its gill chambers when it leaves the water for extended stays on the land, much like a scuba diver brings air with them!-

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