Yellowtail tubelip (Diproctacanthus xanthurus)

Scientific name: Diproctacanthus xanthurus Bleeker, 1856

The Yellowtail tubelip (Diproctacanthus xanthurus) is a marine fish of the family Labridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Native range: Western Central Pacific, Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Great Barrier Reef.

Yellowtail tubelip care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

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.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Diproctacanthus xanthurus
Family: Labridae (Wrasses)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 10.0
Environment: Marine; reef-associated, usually 2 - 20 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Central Pacific: Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Great Barrier Reef.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)