Tarpon Information

Playa del Carmen’s reefs are not only home to spectacular reef fish, but also one of the sea’s gentle giants: the tarpon (megalops antlanticus).

Tarpon, also commonly known as the Silver King, can grow up to 8 feet in length and can weigh up to 200 pounds. Generally the females are larger than the males. They hang around in large schools, with the larger ones seemingly guarding the outer edges of the school against surprise attacks from predators – mainly sharks (bull and hammerhead).

Tarpon are such massive fish that they have a prehistoric look to them. They also have a very unique feature in that they can breathe oxygen from the surface.

It is truly a wonderful experience to come across these gentle giants underwater, swimming against the current looks absolutely effortless to these marvelous creatures.