Paracaesio xanthura (Bleeker, 1869)
Yellowtail blue snapper
Paracaesio xanthura
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Lutjanidae (Snappers), subfamily: Apsilinae
 Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 5 - 250 m
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Austral Islands, north to southern Japan, south to southeastern Australia. Paracaesio xanthura, a complex of variable populations, may compose a single or two (or more) species. Paracaesio pedleyi, from Lord Howe Island, Middleton Reef, and eastern Australian waters, is included here with some reservation (Ref. 9821).
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Description: Eye large; snout short, about equal to, or shorter than eye diameter. Interorbital space convex. Maxilla with or without scales. Scale rows on back parallel to lateral line. Pectoral fins long, reaching level of anus. Overall color is blue, sometimes whitish on belly and lower part of the head. A broad bright yellow stripe on the upper back extending from the forehead to the base of the caudal fin. The dorsal and caudal fins yellow, the other fins whitish or translucent (Ref. 55). Body depth 2.5-2.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
 Biology:  Adults occur over rocky bottoms, sometimes forming large schools. They feed largely on zooplankton (Ref. 30573). Marketed fresh or frozen.
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Luna, Susan M. - 17.10.90
 Modified by: Valdestamon, Roxanne Rei - 15.05.15

Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.


Page created by Jen, 05.08.02, php script by kbanasihan 06/09/2010 ,  last modified by dsantos, 20/08/10