Yellow tail fish

The yellowtail is a semi-pelagic transient species that sticks out among the ~113 species found in the snapper family of Lutjanidae. These mid water swimmers are the only member of its genus Ocyurus! The genus name is derived from the Greek okys- meaning quick and oura- meaning tail, the species name chrysurus was inspired from the Greek chryso- meaning golden. Many of the yellowtail’s commonly caught cousins like the mangrove, mutton and red snapper have tails that are wider/square in shape which are perfect for maneuvering in and around structure providing bursts of speed when needed. The yellowtail however have a deeply forked tail that normally is associated with faster and sustained swimming speeds hence the genus translation of “quick tail.” This species is usually found suspended in the water column where that tail shape gives the yellowtail an advantage rather than hiding and feeding between rocks and crevices amongst all it’s square or rounded tailed pals.