ˈtärpən, ˈtȧp- sometimes -ˌpän noun
( plural tarpon or tarpons )
Etymology: origin unknown
1.
a. : a marine fish ( Tarpon atlanticus or Megalops atlanticus ) that is closely related to the tenpounder, is common in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida, has an elongate and compressed body with large scales brilliantly silvery on the sides and belly, reaches a length of about six feet and a weight of 200 pounds, and is noted as a sport fish
b. : a smaller related fish ( Megalops cyprinoides ) of the Indo-Pacific area — called also oxeye
2. southern Africa : the common bonefish ( Albula vulpes )