Records of megalops atlanticus on the Mexican Caribbean coast

Preliminary information is presented on occurrence and use of tarpon in cenotes (karstic sinkholes) in central Quintana Roo, Mexican Caribbean versant, as well as records of larvae, juveniles and adults in reefs, lagoons and wetlands along this coast. Tarpon, locally known as "sábalo", have been recorded in three cenotes within Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, central Quintana Roo. One of these is a small anchialine water body, with subterranean tidal influence, where only tarpon juveniles have been caught. The other two are large freshwater cenotes, several kilometers away from the sea, seasonally connected to the Caribbean through sawgrass marshes and similar habitats; here adults were observed in schools of 6-12 individuals.