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Galapagos flagtail (Kuhlia nutabunda) — Kuhliidae

Galapagos flagtail

Kuhlia nutabunda
Family: Kuhliidae

The Galapagos flagtail (Kuhlia nutabunda) is a saltwater fish of the family Kuhliidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Easter I.

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Description

The Galapagos flagtail is a flagtail (Kuhliidae) from shallow coastal, estuarine and fresh water of the eastern Pacific around the Galapagos. 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 Galapagos flagtail?

The Galapagos flagtail has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Galapagos flagtail live?

The Galapagos flagtail lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Easter I.

How big does the Galapagos flagtail get?

The Galapagos flagtail grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Galapagos flagtail dangerous to humans?

No, the Galapagos 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
Galapagos flagtail sourced
Scientific name
Kuhlia nutabunda
Family
Kuhliidae
Other names
Rapanui flagtail sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.2 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Oceania: Easter I. 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

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
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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