Common name: yellowback fusilier

General information

The Yellowback Fusilier, Caesio xanthonota, is a vibrant and active fish that adds a splash of color and movement to any marine aquarium. They are schooling fish, often found in large groups in the wild, which makes them an attractive display when kept in numbers in captivity. Their body is elongated with a bright yellow upper body that transitions to a blue lower body, giving them their common name.

Care

Yellowback Fusiliers are relatively hardy and can adapt to life in a well-maintained aquarium. They require a large tank with plenty of open swimming space, as they are active swimmers. A diet of high-quality marine flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp will help maintain their coloration and health. It's important to keep them in groups to satisfy their schooling behavior.

Reproduction

In the wild, Caesio xanthonota spawn in groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with excellent water quality can encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Yellowback Fusiliers are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and open waters, often seen above the reef slopes and edges, where they feed on zooplankton. They can be found at depths ranging from the surface down to about 20 meters.