Barred Flagtail
Kuhlia mugil
Price range: $43.99 through $48.99
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
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| In Stock | 2 - 3" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $93.99.$48.99Current price is: $48.99. |
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| In Stock | 2" or smaller - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $83.99.$43.99Current price is: $43.99. |
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Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 180 gallons |
| Max Size | 10 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Barred Flagtail (Kuhlia mugil), also sold as the Flagtail Grunt or Five Band Flagtail, is a hardy, active swimmer with an elongated silver body and bold black-and-white tail barring. In large reef aquariums, it adds steady midwater movement and a true “reef edge” look as it cruises open lanes.
What You’ll Observe:
- Wide, looping swims across the tank, with frequent passes through open water
- Strong interest in food as soon as it’s offered, often meeting it in the water column
- Increased “out in the open” activity toward evening, while still feeding during the day once settled
- A loose group/paired feel if kept with similar fish, with individuals often matching pace and direction
For best results, provide long, open swimming space with rockwork arranged to the sides so it can patrol without tight turns. Offer small meaty frozen foods, pellets, and other zooplankton-sized fare on a consistent schedule; many aquarists see great response with an evening feeding. With appropriately sized tankmates that are comfortable around an energetic feeder, this fish stays visible and active.
Is it better kept alone or with others of its kind?
They naturally form schools, but many home aquariums keep a single specimen simply because adults need substantial swimming room. If you try multiples, adding them together at similar size helps them settle into a shared cruising pattern.
Will it hide for long after introduction?
It commonly uses rockwork for short “reset” breaks at first, then spends more time in open water as it learns the tank’s routine. Activity often ramps up noticeably in the late afternoon/evening.
What’s the easiest way to get it eating confidently?
Offer small, meaty foods that stay suspended (fine frozen blends or small pellets) and feed in the water column. A calm, repeatable feeding spot usually gets a fast response.
Does it need a lid or mesh top?
Many active, open-water fish can jump when startled, especially during the first weeks. A fitted mesh top keeps them secure while still allowing gas exchange and light.
Why is it sometimes described as brackish or even freshwater?
Some flagtail species (and sometimes juveniles) are reported from lower-salinity areas, which causes mixed labeling. For reef aquariums, treat Kuhlia mugil as a marine fish and keep it in stable saltwater conditions.
Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.
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