Common name: Striped fusilier

General information

The Blue and Gold Fusilier, Caesio striata, is a strikingly colorful reef fish known for its vibrant blue body and contrasting yellow dorsal fin. This species is a member of the Caesionidae family, which are commonly referred to as fusiliers. They are active swimmers and often found in large schools in the wild, which makes for a mesmerizing display in large public aquariums or spacious home tanks.

Care

In the aquarium, Blue and Gold Fusiliers require a large tank with plenty of open swimming space to accommodate their active lifestyle. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish of similar size. A varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for maintaining their health and coloration.

Reproduction

Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare for fusiliers. In the wild, they are known to spawn in large groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs externally. The larvae are planktonic and would require specialized care if they were to be raised in captivity.

Habitat

Blue and Gold Fusiliers are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and are often seen above the reef crest or along reef slopes. They are a pelagic species that prefer clear waters with strong currents, which help to bring their planktonic food within reach.