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Pterocaesio randalli Carpenter, 1987 Randall's fusilier |
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photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Caesionidae (Fusiliers), subfamily: Caesioninae | |||
| Max. size: | 25 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m, non-migratory | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-West Pacific: Laccadive Archipelago to the Philippines. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Body blue-green to reddish dorsally, lighter ventrally; above pectoral fin is a large yellow blotch of variable size, roughly rhomboid in shape, the oblique side slanting anteriorly. 4 scales on cheek; 22-27 predorsal scales; scaled dorsal and anal fins; Upper peduncular scale rows usually 11-13 (11-14); lower peduncular scale rows usually 15 or 16 (15-17). Supra-temporal band of scales confluent at dorsal midline. basioccipital with a broad, flat process for attachment of Baudelot's ligament; processes not extending much more ventrally than rim of condyle. Post maxillary with 2 processes; posterior end of maxilla tapered (Ref. 1723). Head length 3.3-3.6 in SL; body depth 3.4-4.9 in SL (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Ranges widely around coral reefs in school. Feeds on zooplankton in midwater aggregations. Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs (Ref. 402). Easily recognized from a distance by the bright yellow marking (Ref. 48636). Also caught by drive-in nets. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 July 2023 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||