Marine Life

Yellowtail blue snapper

Nigoodhon noomas

Paracaesio xanthurus

The Paracaesio xanthurus appears to be uncommon in the Maldives, and its distinctive blue and yellow colouration makes it unlikely to be confused with the closely related P. sordidus. However, it may be confused with the more common yellowfin fusilier (Caesio xanthonata), which is noticeably more slender.

Details

§ 01

size: Max. 40 cm
color: Overall blue, sometimes whitish on belly and lower part of head. A bright yellow area on back and caudal fin.
order: Perciformes
family: Lutjanidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/paracaesio-xanthurus.png
habitat and biology: This species is often found inhabiting rocky seabeds, sometimes forming large groups in depths ranging from 20 to 150 meters. Its diet mainly consists of zooplankton.
distinctive characters: The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 10 (sometimes 11) rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 (sometimes 9) rays, and the pectoral fin has 16 rays. The body is moderately deep and fusiform, with a depth of 2.6-3.1 in standard length, large eyes, and an interorbital space that is convex. The maxilla may or may not have scales, while the dorsal and anal fins are scaleless. The pectoral fins are long, reaching the level of the anus, and the caudal fin is deeply forked.