The Atlantic Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is a game fish found across the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, known for its immense size and spectacular aerial displays. Often nicknamed the “silver king,” this fish can reach lengths exceeding eight feet and weights over 300 pounds. Its powerful build and reputation for explosive jumps lead many anglers to wonder about the structure of its large, upturned mouth and the nature of its dental arrangement.
The Tarpon’s Dentition: Location and Form
Tarpon do possess teeth, but they are not the large, shearing canines one might expect. Instead, their dentition consists of small, densely packed structures known as villiform teeth. These needle-like projections are not designed for cutting or tearing, but rather serve a function similar to coarse sandpaper. The abrasive texture allows the tarpon to effectively grip and hold onto slippery prey items.
These minute teeth are not limited to the jawline; they are found in rows across multiple surfaces within the oral cavity. Patches of villiform teeth are present on the upper and lower jaws, as well as on the roof of the mouth, including the vomer and palatine bones. The tongue also features this abrasive covering, creating a comprehensive gripping surface inside the mouth. This arrangement ensures prey is firmly held in place before being swallowed whole.
Mouth Structure and Feeding Strategy
The tarpon’s feeding mechanism is defined less by its teeth and more by the overall structure of its mouth. It possesses an extremely large, gaping mouth adapted for ram-feeding or suction feeding. The fish rapidly opens its mouth, creating a sudden vacuum that pulls water and prey inward. This powerful gulping action is the primary method of securing a meal.
A distinctive feature of the tarpon’s anatomy is the bony plate that lines the lower jaw, also referred to as the gular plate. This calcified structure gives the mouth a hardness notorious among anglers for making a solid hook set difficult. The tarpon often uses this hard surface to strike and stun prey, rather than relying on its small teeth to inflict damage. While the small teeth help secure the catch, the bony plate provides the rigidity and force for the predatory strike.
Adult tarpon are carnivorous, consuming fish like mullet and sardines, as well as crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. The mouth structure is so efficient for gulping that the teeth are merely a secondary tool for retention. The tarpon also possesses specialized gill rakers that act as a filtering mechanism to strain smaller organisms from the water column when targeting schooling baitfish.
Handling Tarpon Safely
While the tarpon’s teeth are not sharp like those of a barracuda or shark, the villiform patches are highly abrasive and can cause skin irritation, similar to a severe scrape. The greater danger when handling a landed tarpon comes from the fish’s tremendous size, weight, and thrashing power. A sudden movement of its hard, bony head can easily cause injury.
To ensure the safety of both the fish and the handler, precautions are necessary. Avoid using mechanical lip-gripping tools, as they can damage the jaw structure. Tarpon over 40 inches in length should remain in the water to prevent internal organ damage from their body weight. For smaller fish, minimal air exposure is essential, and the fish should be supported horizontally under the belly if briefly removed for a photograph. Always revive an exhausted tarpon by gently moving it forward so that water flows over the gills until it can swim strongly on its own.