Goldsash fusilier
📖 Overview
This species schools with Caesio variliniata and both have been observed together in large shoals in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Prolific spawning in the Park Rynie area, KwaZulu-Natal (30°20’ S, 30°45’ E) is apparent due to abundance of eggs of this species from plankton collections .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12; Vertebrae: 23. This medium-sized species is distinguished by the following: a prominent, composite, yellow lateral band in life, bordered by irregular dark brown stripes, and with a narrow blue stripe in the yellow, above the lateral line; the lateral line is within band for most of length; 19-22 pectoral-fin rays (rarely 19 or 21, 22); 57-67 (mode 59-62) lateral line scales; 11-12 (mode 11) anal fin rays; 8 + 12 circumpeduncular scales .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Goldsash fusilier is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Goldsash fusilier is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Goldsash fusilier is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; pelagic-neritic; depth range 8 - 40 m . Tropical Indian Ocean: Kenya (purchased in Mombasa market), Tanzania (Dar es Salaam), southern Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal (Margate, 30°51' S), southern Madagascar (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Caesio Xanthalytos is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Goldsash fusilier is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Goldsash fusilier has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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