Description:
last ray of dorsal fin extended into long filament; one
dorsal fin; back dark blue to green or greenish black,
shading into bright silver on the sides; may be brownish
gold in estuarien waters; huge scales; mouth large and
points upward.
Similar Fish:
(as juveniles) ladyfish, Elops saurus.
Where found:
primarily INSHORE fish, although adult fish spawn OFFSHORE
where the ribbon-like larval stage of the fish can be
found.
Size:
most angler catch's 40 to 50 pounds.
*Florida
Record: 243 lbs.
Remarks:
slow grower; matures at 7 to 13 years of age; spawning
occurs between May and September; female may lay more than
12 million eggs; can tolerate wide range of salinity;
juveniles commonly found in fresh water; can breathe air
at surface; feeds mainly on fish and large crustaceans.
* The
Florida records quoted are from the Department of
Environmental Protection's printed publication, Fishing
Lines and are not necessarily the most current ones. The
records are provided as only as a benchmark.
Regulations
Min. Size
Limits: None
Closed Seasons: None.
Daily Rec. Bag Limit:
2 fish possession limit.
Remarks:
Requires $50 Tarpon tag to
possess or harvest.
