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Bonin flagtail (Kuhlia boninensis) — Kuhliidae

Bonin flagtail

Kuhlia boninensis
Family: Kuhliidae

The Bonin flagtail (Kuhlia boninensis) is a fish of the family Kuhliidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

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Description

The Bonin flagtail is a flagtail (Kuhliidae) from shallow coastal, estuarine and fresh water of the northwest Pacific around the Ogasawara Islands. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with large eyes and a forked tail with conspicuous black bands. As a nocturnal schooling fish it shelters by day at rocks and reef and hunts small crustaceans, insects and small fish in open water at night. It is locally a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bonin flagtail?

The Bonin flagtail is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Bonin flagtail live?

The Bonin flagtail is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Bonin flagtail get?

The Bonin flagtail grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Bonin flagtail dangerous to humans?

No, the Bonin flagtail is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bonin flagtail sourced
Scientific name
Kuhlia boninensis
Family
Kuhliidae
Other names
Silver flagtail; Flagtail

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
20 inferred
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Kuhlia

More from the family Kuhliidae

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