Yellowtail Snapper
Description
of the Yellowtail Snapper
The Yellowtail Snapper is also known as the Cola. They are an
extremely popular fish with divers and snorkelers due to their
coloring. The snapper is also a game fish and commonly served
throughout the Caribbean.
Profile of
the Yellowtail Snapper
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Yellowtail Snapper species.
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Size: 40cm -
85cm
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Fish Tank
conditions:
PH 8.1 to 8.4
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Diet / Feeding:
Shrimp, Small Crustaceans, Small Fish
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Habitat: Marine
Reef Dwellers at depths of up to 180m
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Behaviour:
Usually found in schools or small groups
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Range: Western
Atlantic particularly Caribbean
Scientific
Classification of the Yellowtail Snapper
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Yellowtail Snapper?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Yellowtail Snapper slimy?
Yellowtail Snapper secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Yellowtail Snapper to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Yellowtail Snapper have gills?
Gills enable the Yellowtail Snapper to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Yellowtail Snapper have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Yellowtail Snapper
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Yellowtail Snapper
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Yellowtail Snapper
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
-
Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Yellowtail Snapper
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Yellowtail Snapper
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