Fivebar Flagtail, Kuhlia mugil (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Introduction

The Fivebar Flagtail can be recognised by body shape and colouration. The five dark bars on the caudal fin give the fish its common name. The species occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Identification

The Fivebar Flagtail can be recognised by body shape and colouration. It is an oval-shaped fish that is covered with moderate-sized ctenoid scales. The species is usually silvery in colour. The upper sides of are sometimes blue, brown or yellowish. The five dark bars on the caudal fin give the fish its common name.

Habitat

It is found in shallow estuarine and coastal waters. Juveniles are sometimes seen in tidepools.

Distribution

The species occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific. In Australia it is recorded from northern Queensland to the central coast of New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

1. Allen, G.R., D.F. Hoese, J.R. Paxton, J.E. Randall, B.C. Russell, W.A. Starck, F.H. Talbot & GP Whitley. l976. An annotated checklist of the fishes of Lord Howe Island. Records of the Australian Museum, 30 (15):365-454.
2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
3. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.