Yellow Flagtail (Semaprochilodus taeniurus) Beautiful, active and constantly on the move, the Yellow Flagtail is a striking South American schooling fish prized for its shimmering silver body, bold yellow fins and constantly waving tail. Growing into an impressive display fish, it is best suited to large aquariums where its graceful swimming and peaceful nature can truly shine. Quick Facts Scientific name: Semaprochilodus taeniurus Common name: Yellow Flagtail, Yellow Flagtail Prochilodus Current size: Please refer to the selected size option Adult size: Approximately 30–35 cm Tank size: 500L+ recommended Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate Temperament: Peaceful, active schooling fish Social needs: Best kept in groups of 3 or more where space allows Is this for you? ✔️ Perfect if: You own a large South American display aquarium. You enjoy active schooling fish with constant movement. You keep peaceful larger community species. You want an unusual centrepiece that stands apart from common aquarium fish. ❌ Avoid if: You have a standard-sized community aquarium. You cannot accommodate a fish over 30 cm. You keep slow-swimming or delicate nano fish. You are looking for a low-maintenance algae eater. Why choose a Yellow Flagtail? The Yellow Flagtail is admired for its shimmering silver body contrasted by vibrant yellow fins and its distinctive flowing tail, which appears to wave like a flag as the fish swims. As it matures, its colours become increasingly impressive, making it a true highlight in any large aquarium. In nature these fish travel in schools through South American rivers, constantly grazing on algae, biofilm and organic matter. In the aquarium they remain active throughout the day, adding movement and energy to large displays. Despite their size, Yellow Flagtails are generally peaceful and coexist well with other robust South American species. Their constant activity and elegant swimming make them excellent feature fish in spacious aquariums. Benefits Brilliant yellow fins and flag-like tail Large, impressive display fish Peaceful temperament Constantly active swimmer Suitable for large South American communities Long-lived with proper care Care made simple Temperature: 24–28°C pH: 6.0–7.5 Diet: High-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers, spirulina, fresh vegetables and frozen foods Water: Clean, highly oxygenated and well filtered Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel Setup: Large open swimming areas with driftwood and robust décor around the edges Perform regular water changes to maintain excellent water quality. Provide a varied omnivorous diet rather than relying solely on natural algae growth. Pairs perfectly with Silver Dollars Severums Geophagus Earth Eaters Large Peaceful Plecos Festivum Cichlids NTA Insight: Yellow Flagtails are often purchased as attractive juveniles without consideration for their eventual size. They become powerful, active swimmers that require significant open space. While they naturally graze throughout the day, they should not be relied upon for algae control and perform best when offered a varied, nutritious diet alongside pristine water quality. FAQ How large do Yellow Flagtails grow? Adults commonly reach 30–35 cm, making them suitable only for very large aquariums. Are Yellow Flagtails aggressive? No. They are generally peaceful and make excellent companions for other robust South American fish of similar size. Should they be kept alone or in groups? They are naturally schooling fish and are most comfortable when kept in small groups if the aquarium is large enough. Do Yellow Flagtails eat algae? They graze on algae, biofilm and organic matter, but should not be relied upon as algae control. A balanced omnivorous diet is essential. Can they live with cichlids? Yes. They pair well with peaceful larger South American cichlids such as Severums and Geophagus species. Do they need strong filtration? Yes. Their active lifestyle and adult size mean they thrive with excellent filtration, high oxygen levels and consistent maintenance. Are they suitable for beginners? Intermediate aquarists with appropriately sized aquariums can successfully keep Yellow Flagtails, provided they understand the fish's adult size and care requirements. How long do Yellow Flagtails live? With excellent care, they commonly live for 10–15 years, making them a long-term commitment for large aquarium enthusiasts.
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