Family uniqueness
Tarpon are the only extant members of the family Megalopidae.
Tarpon
Tarpon are fish of the genus Megalops with two species native to the Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific.
Last Updated Mar 9, 2026 · 2 sources
Species Guide
What to know about tarpons
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
Tarpon are fish of the genus Megalops and are the only extant members of the family Megalopidae. There are two species: Megalops atlanticus, native to the Atlantic, and Megalops cyprinoides, native to the Indo-Pacific Oceans.
The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Bonaire, Grand Cayman, Curaçao and countries such as Caribbean Netherlands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao for divers building trips around tarpons.
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Responsible Encounters
How to dive with tarpons
Conservation-minded guidance for divers who want the encounter without adding pressure.
Give tarpon space, avoid blocking the animal's path, and follow local site and operator rules for wildlife interactions with saltwater fishes.
Field Notes
Interesting things worth knowing
Useful species context that makes the encounter more meaningful once you are underwater.
