New 🐟 Mercury Safety Guide & Omega-3 Rankings Updated for 2026. View Omega-3 Rankings →

🌊 Marine Least Concern 🌡️ Tropical

Yellowback fusilier

Caesio xanthonota Bleeker, 1853
Max Length
41.8 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
0–50 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
47.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Inhabits deep lagoons and along seaward reefs , primarily around coral reefs. Feeds on zooplankton in large midwater aggregations. Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs .

Scientific Name
Caesio xanthonota
Authority
Bleeker, 1853
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
41.8 cm
Depth Range
0–50 m
Latitude
28°S – 23°N
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
47.00/100
Migration
Non-migratory
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12. Upper 1/3 of body and caudal fin bright yellow, middle third blue, lower white. 4-5 scales on cheek; 20-25 predorsal scales; scaled dorsal and anal fins; narrow scaleless zone interrupting the Supra-temporal band of scales at the dorsal midline. Upper peduncular scale rows 11 or 12; lower peduncular scale rows usually 15 (14-16). Presence of a small process on each ventrolateral surface of basioccipital for attachment of Baudelot's ligament. Post maxillary process single; posterior end of maxilla blunt . Head length 3.0-3.4 in SL; body depth 2.9-3.5 in SL .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

The yellowback fusilier is diurnal, and lives in groups and forms schools with other caesionids such as Caesio teres.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Yellowback fusilier is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Yellowback fusilier is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 50 m . Tropical; 23°N - 28°S, 32°E - 132°E East Africa (not including the Red Sea and the Arabian (Persian) Gulf) to Indonesia.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Migration
Non-migratory
Trophic Level
3.4±0.45
Food Items

zooplankton in large midwater aggregations

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01175 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
41.8cm
Dorsal Spines
10
Dorsal Rays
15
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
12

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2015

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
47.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
23°N – 28°S
Described By
Bleeker, 1853

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
0 Observations logged on Aquareap

No observations yet - be the first to log one!

View all observations for Yellowback fusilier ↗
Suggest an Edit

Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.

Link to a scientific paper, FishBase, or other authoritative source
Report an Issue

Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.