Blue and gold fusilier – Caesio caerulaurea

The Gold Band Fusilier (Caesio caerulaurea) is a vibrant and graceful fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Its striking appearance and distinctive gold bands have made it a popular subject of admiration for both marine enthusiasts and researchers alike. This species, belonging to the family Caesionidae, is known for its social behavior and active role in coral reef ecosystems.

Description & Characteristics

The Caesio caerulaurea, also known as the Gold Band Fusilier, is easily recognizable by its elongated, fusiform body, reaching a maximum size of 45.4 cm. It exhibits a brilliant silver to yellowish-silver coloration, adorned with a series of striking golden bands that encircle its body. These bands, typically five in number, extend from the head to the tail, creating a visually captivating pattern. The fish’s dorsal fin, which runs along its back, is also edged in gold, adding to its elegant appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

Caesio caerulaurea is a resident of tropical waters, primarily inhabiting coral reefs and rocky slopes. It is a common sight in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Western Pacific. This species prefers a depth range of 1.0 to 60.0 meters, where it thrives within the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones of the marine environment. These zones, characterized by varying degrees of sunlight penetration, provide the ideal habitat for this active and schooling fish.

Taxonomy

The Caesio caerulaurea is classified within the Class: Teleostei, the most diverse group of bony fishes. It further belongs to the Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, a group of percomorph fishes with uncertain relationships. Finally, it is categorized under the Family: Caesionidae, a family known for its fusiform-shaped bodies and colorful, often banded patterns.

Feeding

The Gold Band Fusilier (Caesio caerulaurea) is an opportunistic feeder, consuming a variety of small organisms found within its preferred habitat. Its diet consists primarily of planktonic crustaceans, such as krill and mysids, as well as fish larvae and small fishes. It has also been observed to feed on lobster eggs and zooplankton. This dietary flexibility allows the Caesio caerulaurea to adapt to a diverse range of food sources within its environment.