How to Identify Yellowtail Snapper

To identify Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is olive to bluish-green dorsally, fading to white ventrally. A prominent, bright yellow stripe runs from the snout through the eye to the caudal fin, widening posteriorly. The fins are predominantly yellow, with the caudal fin being particularly bright yellow.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Bright yellow caudal fin, Prominent yellow lateral stripe, Small, pointed mouth, Relatively slender body compared to other snappers

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, deeply notched, with 10 spines and 12-14 soft rays.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, bright yellow caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed, reaching beyond the anus.

Distinctive fins

All fins, especially the caudal, are distinctly yellow.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Caudal Fin

   The most definitive feature is the bright, deeply forked yellow tail fin.

2. 2

   Lateral Stripe

   A distinct yellow stripe runs from the snout to the caudal fin, widening as it approaches the tail.

3. 3

   Body Coloration

   The dorsal side is olive to bluish-green, transitioning to white on the belly, contrasting sharply with the yellow stripe and fins.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Possesses a relatively small, pointed mouth compared to other snapper species.

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