The Flagtail Grunt is a small to medium schooling fish recognized by its brightly marked tail and distinct body bands. It is widespread in the Indo-Pacific and often seen around reefs, lagoons, and estuaries.

🔹 Physical Characteristics

• Size: Typically 15–25 cm (6–10 in); can reach up to 40 cm (16 in).

• Body shape: Deep-bodied, laterally compressed.

• Color: Silvery body with four to five vertical dark bars.

• Tail: The caudal fin has a broad black edge with a white margin, giving it the “flag” appearance.

• Fins: Dorsal and anal fins translucent to yellowish.

🔹 Habitat & Range

• Distribution: Indo-Pacific — from East Africa and the Red Sea to French Polynesia, north to Japan, south to Australia.

• Habitat: Coral reefs, rocky shores, lagoons, and mangrove estuaries.

• Depth range: 1–40 m, often near reef slopes and channels.

🔹 Diet & Feeding

• Omnivorous: Eats a mix of

  • Small crustaceans

  • Worms

  • Mollusks

  • Algae and plant matter

• Forages in schools, especially around reef edges.

Large 8" Specimen for sale