Yellowtail tubelip
📖 Overview
A solitary species occurring in coral rich areas of shallow lagoons and sheltered seaward reefs. Adults feed mainly on coral polyps while juveniles remove ectoparasites from small territorial fishes . Adults swim in small groups. Usually, only small juveniles clean other fishes .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11; Vertebrae: 25. Juveniles with 3 broad black stripes from head to caudal fin where the stripes merge; with growth, lower stripe disappears, upper stripe is less distinct; black caudal fin becomes entirely yellow in adults. Head scales small. Lips thick and fleshy, forming a short tube when mouth is closed. Caudal fin rounded to truncate; pelvic fins rounded.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellowtail tubelip is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 25 m , usually 2 - 20 m . Tropical; 24°C - 28°C ; 19°N - 25°S, 99°E - 172°E Central Pacific: Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Great Barrier Reef.
🌿 Ecology
coral polyps while juveniles remove ectoparasites from small territorial fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Diproctacanthus Xanthurus is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 162 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Yellowtail tubelip has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
👥 Community & Contribute
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