Fish that look REALLY similar to a Tarpon for 55 gallon?
- Thread starter Loganfish
- Start date
I don’t think you’ll find anything closer than a golden shiner.
THE Eel Put Guy commenting?!?!? I agree. I completely forgot about these guys. I guess I’ll take a look at some bait stores.
The Common Roach ( Rutilus rutilus) looks very similar to an Atlantic Tarpon. Another could be the Common Rudd. The Common Roach has a better silver color, but it comes pre-equipped with red fins.
Both of those I think are illegal in the USA
They were listed as an injurious wildlife species in 2016, under the Lacey act. As for as I know they aren't completely illegal, which means having on is not all that bad.
Honestly, I think the shiner looks the most like a tarpon, and they are usually dirt cheap if you get them from a bait store (I think a couple of cents or something ridiculous like that). There is only one slight problem: they may outgrow your tank long-term. You might have to put them in a 75-gallon or larger, but maybe not. Make sure you do your research. 
Also I’m open to saltwater too. As long as it won’t outgrow a 37 gallon unless it can go to freshwater.