Common name: Cavi

General information

The Redbelly Yellowtail Fusilier, Caesio cuning, is a vibrant and active fish that adds a splash of color to any marine aquarium. Known for its striking red belly and yellow tail, this species is a schooling fish that is often seen in large groups in the wild. They are a popular choice among aquarists due to their peaceful nature and the dynamic display they provide when kept in groups.

Care

Redbelly Yellowtail Fusiliers are best kept in large, spacious tanks that can accommodate their active swimming behavior and schooling tendencies. They thrive in a well-oxygenated environment with plenty of open water for swimming and some rockwork or coral for refuge. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood, along with high-quality marine flakes or pellets, will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Caesio cuning spawns in groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs externally. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but with optimal conditions and a large enough group, it is possible to observe spawning behavior.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, the Redbelly Yellowtail Fusilier is commonly found in coral reefs and adjacent habitats. They prefer clear, tropical waters and are often observed at depths ranging from the surface down to about 20 meters. Their natural distribution spans from East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands.