ANIMAL SPECIES:Yellowtail Fusilier, Caesio cuning (Bloch, 1791)
The Yellowtail Fusilier can be recognised by its colouration. The species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific. It is usually seen swimming in midwater where it feeds on zooplankton.
Alternative Name/s
Red-bellied Fusilier, Redbelly Yellowtail Fusilier, Robust Fusilier, Yellow-tail, YellowtailIdentification
The Yellowtail Fusilier has a greyish-blue body. The soft portion of the dorsal fin is yellow, as is the top of the caudal peduncle and the caudal fin. The bottom third of the body is often white with a pink-reddish tinge. This gives this species its common name.
Size range
The species grows to 60 cm in length.Distribution
It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West Pacific, from Sri Lanka, throughout South-east Asia and Micronesia, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to Vanuatu.
In Australia it is known from the north-western coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country, and south to central New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Yellowtail Fusilier specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The Yellowtail Fusilier inhabits offshore reef slopes, commonly in large schools. It is found at depths from 1 m to 60 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
It is usually seen swimming in midwater where it feeds on zooplankton.
Classification
- Species:
- cuning
- Genus:
- Caesio
- Family:
- Lutjanidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 220.
- Carpenter, K.E., 1987 Revision of the Indo-Pacific fish family Caesionidae (Lutjanoidea), with descriptions of five new species. Indo-Pacific Fishes (15): 1-56.
- Carpenter, K. E. 1988. FAO species catalog. Vol. 8. Fusilier fishes of the World. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of caesionid species known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. No. 125: i-iv + 1-75.
- Carpenter, K. E. 2001. Caesionidae. in Carpenter, K.E. & V.H. Niem (Eds). FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 5. Bony fishes part 3 (Menidae to Pomacentridae). FAO, Rome. Pp. iii-iv, 2791-3379.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 251.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Yellowtail Fusilier, Caesio cuning View full size
William White
© William White
Yellowtail Fusilier at Wheeler Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Yellowtail Fusilier View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Support us
Your support will have a real impact.
Online Shop
Great gifts.
Australian Museum Members
Join today.
Australian Museum Business Services
Professional consulting.
Museum as a Venue
Unique spaces.
Media Resources
Contact Publicity.