Common name: Blue and Gold Fusilier

General information

The Blue and Gold Fusilier, Caesio caerulaurea, is a strikingly vibrant fish that adds a splash of color and activity to any large marine aquarium. Known for their shimmering blue bodies with a yellow dorsal area, these fish are fast swimmers and are often seen in large schools in the wild, which makes for an impressive display.

They are a schooling species, so they do best when kept in groups. In the aquarium, they can grow up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) in length, so they require a spacious tank to accommodate their active swimming behavior.

Care

Blue and Gold Fusiliers are relatively hardy and adaptable to aquarium life, but due to their size and schooling nature, they require a large tank with plenty of open swimming space. A minimum tank size of 500 liters (132 gallons) is recommended for a small group. They are not aggressive and can be kept with a variety of other peaceful fish.

Their diet should include a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It's important to feed them multiple times a day due to their active nature and high metabolism.

Reproduction

In the wild, Caesio caerulaurea spawn in large groups, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs externally. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare and not typically pursued due to the challenges of raising the larval fish.

Habitat

The Blue and Gold Fusilier is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the Line Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and open waters, usually at depths of 2 to 20 meters (6 to 65 feet), where they can be seen swimming swiftly above the reef.

Their presence in a reef tank can bring a dynamic element to the aquarium, mimicking the lively activity of a natural reef environment.