Flagtail

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The Barred Flagtail (Kuhlia mugil), also known as the Barred Flagtail Basslet or Barred Kuhlia, is a distinctive and attractive fish species often sought by aquarists for its lively behaviour and striking appearance. This fish is well-suited for large marine aquariums.

Appearance:

• Coloration: The Barred Flagtail features a sleek, elongated body with a base colour that ranges from silver to pale gray. Its most notable feature is the series of dark vertical bars running across its body, typically four to six bars. These bars give it a striped appearance, resembling flags when the fish is in motion. The tail fin generally is forked and often displays a slight yellowish hue.
• Size: Typically grows to about 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in length, making it a medium-sized species that requires ample space in the aquarium.
• Shape: It has a slender, streamlined body designed for swift swimming. Its long, graceful fins, particularly the tail fin, help it navigate through water.

Habitat:

• Natural Range: Found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the coasts of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Philippines.
• Preferred Environment: Typically inhabits coastal areas, coral reefs, and lagoons, often found in small schools near rocky or sandy habitats. It prefers areas with strong water flow and plenty of hiding spots.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A single specimen requires a minimum of 75–100 gallons, as it is an active swimmer. A larger tank is recommended for a school of fish or to ensure it has ample space to thrive.
• Diet: Carnivorous and thrives on a meaty diet. In captivity, it will accept:
  • Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and krill
  • High-quality pellets or frozen food for carnivores
  • Live foods such as copepods and small fish (occasionally)
• Substrate: Best housed with live rock that provides plenty of hiding spots and natural grazing surfaces.
• Compatibility:
  • It is generally peaceful, although it can show aggression towards small, slow-moving species or fish that are too similar in size and shape.
  • It is best kept with more extensive, peaceful tankmates such as tangs, wrasses, and angelfish.
  • Avoid housing with aggressive or territorial fish, as it may become stressed.
• Reef-Safe: The Barred Flagtail is typically reef-safe and does not damage corals or invertebrates. However, it might occasionally nibble on smaller ornamental shrimp-like much carnivorous fish.

Behavior:

• Activity Level: It is highly active and curious, constantly swimming throughout the tank. It enjoys the open water but will seek shelter in rockwork when feeling threatened or stressed.
• Social Behavior: While not overly territorial, it does enjoy the company of its kind and may form small schools in larger tanks. It is also known to be peaceful toward other fish that do not threaten it.
• Swimming Pattern: Fast and agile, the Barred Flagtail tends to swim in short bursts and may appear to "dart" from one end of the tank to the other. It requires space to swim freely and to expend its energy.

Special Notes:

• Tankmates: Due to its active swimming nature and relatively peaceful temperament, it can be an excellent addition to a well-stocked community tank with similarly sized, non-aggressive species.
• Maintenance: A hardy fish adapts well to various water conditions. However, it still requires clean, well-maintained water with proper filtration to thrive.
• Social Fish: If kept in schools, the Barred Flagtail tends to be more comfortable and exhibits more natural behaviours.

The Barred Flagtail is a beautiful, active, and easy-to-care-for fish that adds movement and colour to marine aquariums. Its sleek body, attractive coloration, and peaceful nature make it an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced aquarists with larger tanks.