Marine Life

Yellowfin fusilier

Mahi muguraan

Caesio xanthonota

Previously, the fusiliers of the species Caesio xanthonota were recognised as a family (Caesionidae), but they are now classified as a sub-family (Caesioninae) of the snapper family Lutjanidae. Juveniles of this species are often used as bait for pole and line tuna fishery.

Details

§ 01

size: Common to 25 cm; max. about 35 cm
color: Back and dorsal yellow, sky blue on sides, grading to light pink on ventral side. Axil of pectoral fin base black. Caudal fin yellow, without black tips or dark streaks on lobes.
order: Perciformes
family: Lutjanidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/caesio-xanthonota.png
habitat and biology: This species forms dense schools near reefs and feeds on zooplankton in large groups. These schools can sometimes be found near the surface, where they appear as a yellow stain.
distinctive characters: The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 15 (rarely 14) rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 12 (rarely 11) rays, and the pectoral fin has 2 spines and 19 rays. The body is moderately slender, fusiform, and compressed, with a moderately large eye and a dorsal profile that is concave in front of the eye. The pectoral fin is slightly longer than the head, with the first dorsal spine being short and the third spine being the longest. The caudal fin is deeply forked.