Yellowtail blue snapper – Paracaesio xanthura

Yellowtail blue snapper, Yellowtail Blue Snapper, False Fusilier, Gold-backed Fusilier, Pedley's Fusilier, Southern Fusilier, Paracaesio xanthura
Size: 50 cm
Depth: 5 - 250 m

American Samoa, Andaman and Nicobar, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Comoros, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Eritrea, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion Island, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, Yemen

Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Celebes Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Thailand, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Tasman Sea, Yellow Sea

The Yellowtail Blue Snapper, False Fusilier, Gold-backed Fusilier, Pedley’s Fusilier, and Southern Fusilier are all common names for the fish species Paracaesio xanthura. This fish is a relatively common sight in tropical and subtropical waters, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Its distinctive appearance and behavior have led to various regional names, adding to the diversity of its identity.

Description & Characteristics

The Paracaesio xanthura is characterized by its elongated body and compressed form, typically reaching a maximum size of 50.0 cm. A striking feature is its bright yellow tail, which contrasts sharply with its silvery-blue body. The presence of a gold-colored stripe running along its back, particularly evident in juveniles, contributes to the names “Gold-backed Fusilier” and “Pedley’s Fusilier.” This fish is often mistaken for a fusilier due to its body shape and coloration but differs in several aspects, hence the name “False Fusilier.”

Habitat and Occurrence

The Paracaesio xanthura has a wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting both coastal and oceanic waters. Its depth range spans from 5.0 to 250.0 meters, making it a species found in a variety of marine zones. The fish is often observed in coral reefs and rocky outcrops, particularly in areas with strong currents, highlighting its adaptability to diverse marine environments.

Taxonomy

The species Paracaesio xanthura belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Lutjanidae, a family known for their vibrant colors and predatory instincts. This classification places the Paracaesio xanthura within a large and diverse group of fish that includes snappers and emperors.

Feeding

The Paracaesio xanthura is primarily an invertebrate feeder, consuming a variety of crustaceans, zooplankton, and other small marine organisms. This diet reflects its adaptability and opportunistic feeding strategies within its diverse habitat. Its dietary preference aligns with its classification within the Lutjanidae family, known for their carnivorous nature.

Associated Species

Image References

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