Latin name

Kuhlia mugil

Other name

fiveband flagtail or the five-bar flagtail.

Identification

Kuhlia: Because of Heinrich Kuhl, 1797-1821; researcher also with lizards (Gekkonidae).

The Barred Flagtail has a compressed body in the shape of an elongated oval with a large eye and a slanting mouth with a protruding lower jaw. It is covered with moderately large, ridged scales. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 10-11 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 10-12 soft rays. The standard fin length can reach 40 centimeters (16 inches).

Fish colouring

The Barred Flagtail is usually silvery in color, although the upper sides sometimes have a bluish, brownish, or yellowish tinge. The caudal fin has a pattern of five dark stripes alternating with lighter areas. A dark band runs along the edge of the dorsal fin with soft rays, except for a white tip in the upper anterior portion. The tip of the snout and the tip of the caudal fin are blackish. Dorsal fin with deep serrations.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It occurs from the Red Sea and east African coast eastward through the Indo-Pacific to the Clipperton, Cocos and Revillagigedo Islands in the eastern Pacific. The range extends north to southern Japan and south to Australia. In Australia, the range extends from the Torres Strait to Seal Rocks, New South Wales, the Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands in the Tasman Sea, and the Cocos (Keeling). Islands and Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. In the eastern Pacific, they occur at the tip of Baja California and along the coast from Costa Rica to Colombia. This species is absent from the Marquesas Islands, Hawaii and Easter Island, Pitcairn and Johnston Islands.

Habitat

A tropical marine species. Found on reefs at depths from 3 to 18 m (9.8 to 59.1 feet). Juveniles can also be found in tide pools. It is sometimes found in estuaries, but never in fresh water. 

Size

Maximum male length 40.0 cm, total length 20.0 cm.

Behavior

Barred Flagtails form dense schools.  They are nocturnal foragers. 

Food and feeding habits

These fish feed mainly on zooplankton and small fish.

Reproduction

They lay eggs by scattering them and do not provide protection for them. 

Fishing

Barred flagtails are caught for food, bait, and the aquarium trade. Fishermen use seines, gillnets, hooks and lines. It is sold fresh or preserved by drying and salting.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.