Caesionidae
The Caesionidae are a family of marine fish, commonly known as fusiliers or “fusilier breams”. These fish are generally small to medium in size, with elongated, fusiform bodies and brightly colored scales. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, typically inhabiting coral reefs and lagoons. Fusiliers are highly social fish, often forming large schools that may number in the thousands.
Characteristics
Fusiliers exhibit a number of distinctive characteristics, including:
- Elongated, streamlined bodies
- Brightly colored scales, often with stripes or spots
- Small, protractile mouths with numerous small teeth
- Two dorsal fins, the first with spines and the second with soft rays
- Single anal fin with spines and soft rays
- Forked tail fin
Habitat and Ecology
Fusiliers are predominantly found in coral reefs and lagoons, often in shallow waters. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and plankton. Fusiliers are also known to feed on small invertebrates such as crustaceans. They play an important role in reef ecosystems by grazing on algae and controlling its growth.
Distribution
Fusiliers are widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They are found in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean.
Genera
The family Caesionidae includes five genera:
- Caesio
- Pterocaesio
- Gymnocaesio
- Paracaesio
- Equulites
References
Wikipedia - Caesionidae
FishBase - Caesionidae
World Register of Marine Species - Caesionidae