| Family: |
Caesionidae (Fusiliers), subfamily: Caesioninae |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 60 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to the Line Islands. Not occurring in the Red Sea or the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-13. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D X14-16, usually 15; A III,12-13, usually 12; pectoral-fin rays 18-23, usually 20-21; lateral line scales 51-61, usually 55; scales above lateral line to dorsal origin 7-10, modally 8, and below to anal-fin origin 16-20; predorsal scales 20-28; a single postmaxillary process; supratemporal band of scales interrupted at dorsal midline by a narrow scaleless zone; body colour blue with bright yellow on caudal fin, caudal peduncle, and body from just anterior to dorsal-fin origin to ventral origin of caudal peduncle, except in large individuals particularly in the western Pacific where the yellow does not extend as far anteriorly (Ref. 68703, 90102). |
| Biology: |
Adults are found primarily around coral reefs, with a preference for coralline lagoons. They feed on zooplankton in large midwater groups and form schools with other caesionids. Mature adults migrate to select areas around the reef to spawn near the surface in the entrances of deep channels during outgoing tides on a lunar cycle. They are oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs (Ref. 402). Are caught with drive-in nets. Maximum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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