Dark-banded fusilier
📖 Overview
Ranges widely around coral reefs. Juveniles occasionally appear in large numbers in shallow lagoons and on reef flats . Feeds on zooplankton in midwater aggregations. Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs . Also caught by drive-in nets. Tuna baitfish. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 22; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 13. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D X-XII,19-22 (rarely X); A III,13; dorsal and anal fins scaly; pectoral rays 22-24; two postmaxillary processes; small conical teeth in jaws; scales on lateral line 69-76 (usually 71), above to dorsal-fin origin 7-8, below to anal-fin origin 14-17; predorsal scales 24-32; greatest body depth 3.3-5.4 in SL; head length 3.4-3.9 in SL; lateral line covered for most of its length by a black stripe about 1 scale wide (on caudal peduncle this stripe is above lateral line); a brilliant light blue zone below black stripe, usually covering middle third of body, but sometimes restricted to anterior part of body, and sometimes absent; lower third of body white to pinkish (or reddish); pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins white to pinkish; axil and upper base of pectoral fins black; dorsal fin light bluish green to pinkish; caudal fin with a black streak within each lobe, the upper streak continuous with lateral stripe .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dark-banded fusilier is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Dark-banded fusilier is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Dark-banded fusilier is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 60 m . Tropical; 29°N - 33°S, 39°E - 131°W East Africa, not including the Red Sea or the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, to the Tuamoto Archipelago, as far north as southern Japan and south to Mauritius and the Austral Islands.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton in midwater aggregations
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Dark-banded 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) | 145 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Dark-banded fusilier has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 5 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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