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Yellow devilfish

Assessor flavissimus

Yellow devilfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Yellow devilfish (Assessor flavissimus) is a tiny, vividly yellow reef fish reaching only about 6 cm in length. It is popular among aquarium enthusiasts but rarely targeted by anglers due to its small size and limited culinary value.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Plesiopidae

Max Size

6 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

5-20m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Year‑round (tropical waters)

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Yellow devilfish

  • Target areas with abundant coral and overhangs where the fish shelter
  • Use ultra‑light spinning gear with 2‑4 lb test line to avoid spooking them
  • Bait with tiny live shrimp or employ micro jigs/soft plastics under 2 cm
  • Retrieve slowly and keep the lure close to the substrate to mimic natural prey

Top Fishing Locations for Yellow devilfish

Lizard Island Reef, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
intermediate70% Very Common

A pristine section of the Great Barrier Reef with abundant coral heads where yellow devilfish congregate around drop-offs.

Best: March-May

Christmas Island Shoreline

Australia
beginner75% Very Common

Remote island with rich volcanic reefs; yellow devilfish are abundant during the summer months.

Best: December-February

Raja Ampat, Misool Island

Indonesia
expert45% Occasional

World‑renowned dive destination; the complex reef systems host scattered populations of yellow devilfish, often found near steep walls.

Best: June-September

Koror Reefs, Palau

Palau
intermediate55% Common

Clear waters and healthy coral make this a hotspot for many reef species, including yellow devilfish that patrol the outer reef.

Best: November-February

Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

Fiji
intermediate60% Common

Lagoonal reefs with abundant sponges provide ideal ambush sites for yellow devilfish during the shoulder season.

Best: April-June

Sharm El Sheikh Reef, Red Sea

Egypt
beginner30% Occasional

Northern Red Sea reefs host occasional yellow devilfish; they are more scattered but can be targeted near coral ledges.

Best: September-November

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Yellow devilfish

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod (1.2‑1.5 m) with fast action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jigs or tiny soft‑plastic grubs (1‑2 cm)
TechniqueLight reef casting/jigging near structure

Best bait: Small live shrimp or tiny pieces of cut bait