Tarpon << TAHR pon >> is a large game fish that resembles a herring. It lives in the Atlantic Ocean from Long Island to Brazil, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in West Indian waters. It is abundant off the southern Atlantic Coast of the United States. It also is found off the coasts of Spain, Portugal, and the Azore Islands. The tarpon grows to a length of 8 feet (2.4 meters) and sometimes weighs 200 pounds (91 kilograms). Its flesh is coarse and not desirable for food. The large, tough, silvery scales are used in decorative designs. The tarpon is a popular sport fish in the United States because it is a strong, skillful fighter. Most fishing for tarpon is done off the south Atlantic Coast. Tarpon enter fresh waters and may be seen rolling, giving off bubbles of air as they dive. Sometimes they leap out of the water. Tarpon spawning sites are unknown.
Tarpon
