Ocyurus chrysurus

(Bloch, 1791)

Yellowtail Snapper

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Massachusetts to Bermuda, and south to Brazil; also Gulf of Mexico.

Size: 34 inches (85 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits lagoons, reef faces and reef slopes at depths between 3 to 600 feet (1 – 180 m) and feeds on zooplankton, worms, crabs, shrimp, and small fishes.

General Husbandry: This somewhat attractive elongated species has silvery body with one center body horizontal bright yellow band from the eye to the caudal peduncle. Not collected for the hobby as its simply too active and large for home aquariums!

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Lutjanidae

Genus: Ocyurus

FYI: Shown here for identification only.

Experience Level: Professional

Temperament: Active

Diet: Carnivore

Minimum Tank Size: 500+ gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 84°F (22 – 29°C)