Banana fusilier
📖 Overview
Ranges widely around coral reefs , sometimes forming schools with other Pterocaesio species. Feeds on zooplankton in midwater aggregations. Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs . Also caught mostly by drive-in nets. Important tuna baitfish.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13. Variable body coloration, dark red to silvery, paler ventrally with lateral line darker; often yellowish snout and eyes. Caudal fin tips distinctly black or reddish black . 4-5 scales on cheek; 21-29 predorsal scales; scaled dorsal and anal fins. Upper peduncular scale rows usually 11 (10-12); lower peduncular scale rows usually 15 (13-17). ventrolateral surface of basioccipital with a broad process for attachment of Baudelot's ligament. Post maxillary with 2 processes; posterior end of maxilla tapered . Head length 3.0-3.5 in SL; body depth 3.6-4.8 in SL .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Banana fusilier is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 100 m . Tropical; 30°N - 32°S, 32°E - 178°W West Pacific: East Africa (excluding the Red Sea and Arabian (Persian) Gulf) eastward to Fiji.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton in midwater aggregations
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Banana fusilier 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 165 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Banana fusilier has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caesio pisang | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 14 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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