Pelagic fish
Atlantic Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
IUCN status: Vulnerable
A large, silver, big-scaled predator that patrols Bonaire's piers and reef drop-offs. They frequently shadow divers' torches on night dives, using the light to hunt. Reliably seen year-round rather than seasonally.
- Max size
- 2.5m
- Habitat
- Reef edges, piers and shallow coastal water; often hangs motionless by day and hunts at night
Best places to dive with Atlantic Tarpon
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Bonaire
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Large silvery tarpon patrol piers and reef edges year-round and are a classic night-dive sighting at sites like Something Special.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Bonaire National Marine Park — GANP