Rock flagtail (Kuhlia rupestris) is a saltwater, freshwater, brackish species recorded in Taiwan. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–5 m.
Scientific name: Kuhlia rupestris · Water: Saltwater, Freshwater, Brackish
Size: up to 45 cm
The rock flagtail is a kuhliid and a catadromous fish. It is primarily a freshwater inhabitant that may penetrate adjacent marine habitats; adults occur in estuaries and the middle reaches of rivers, usually in relatively fast-flowing clear streams, in rainforests and in rocky pools below waterfalls. It is reef-associated, found from 0 to 5 m at 20 to 26 degrees C in tropical waters. Its range runs from East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to Queensland and New Caledonia. Adults are omnivorous, taking small fishes, insects, crustaceans and fruits that drop into the water. Specific breeding habits are unknown, but adults move downstream into estuaries or to the sea to spawn. It is a good food fish and a game fish. Maximum length is about 45 cm total length, commonly about 25 cm standard length, and it can weigh 2.7 kg. Trophic level is 3.2, fishing vulnerability moderate at 44 of 100, and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Back to home · Taiwan · Species library