| Family: |
Caesionidae (Fusiliers), subfamily: Caesioninae |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m, non-migratory |
| Distribution: |
Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea, Persian Gulf and East Africa to the Solomon Islands, north to southern Japan. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-11. This species is distinguished by the following characters: a single postmaxillary process; D X, usually 14 soft rays; A III, usually 11soft rays; supratemporal band of scales generally interrupted at dorsal midline by a narrow scaleless zone; lateral line scales modally 49; scales above lateral line to dorsal -fin origin 7-10 (modally 8), below lateral line to anal-fin origin 14-19; predorsal scales 20-26; greatest body depth 2.2-3.1 in SL, head length 2.7-3.4 in SL; colour of body bluish, belly paler than upper sides; tips of caudal fin lobes, axil of pectoral fins, and upper base of pectoral fins black; caudal fin blue (except in juveniles where caudal fin and portions of caudal peduncle often yellow); pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins white to pale blue (pink or reddish after death); dorsal fin bluish (Ref. 68703, 90102). |
| Biology: |
Adults are found in coastal areas, mainly on or near coral reefs (Ref. 30573). They are more common along steep seaward reefs than in lagoons (Ref. 9710). They form large aggregations in midwater on upper edge of steep slopes and around patch reefs, often with other fusiliers (Ref. 90102). They feed on zooplankton. Are oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs (Ref. 402). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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