Common name: banana fusilier

General information

The Blue and Gold Fusilier, Pterocaesio pisang, is a strikingly colorful member of the Caesionidae family, known for its vibrant blue body and contrasting yellow dorsal fin. This species is often seen in large schools in the wild, which can create a breathtaking underwater spectacle. They are fast swimmers and are known for their agility.

In the aquarium trade, they are appreciated for their schooling behavior and the dynamic presence they bring to a large marine aquarium. However, they are not as common as some other reef fish, and their care requirements and size make them suitable for more experienced hobbyists with spacious tanks.

Care

Blue and Gold Fusiliers require a large tank to accommodate their schooling behavior and rapid swimming habits. A minimum tank size of 500 liters is recommended. They thrive in a well-oxygenated environment with plenty of open water for swimming and some areas of refuge such as rockwork or caves.

Their diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods including small fish, krill, and plankton. Consistent feeding schedules and a diverse diet will help maintain their health and coloration. It's important to note that they are active swimmers and will require more food than more sedentary fish.

Reproduction

Reproduction of Blue and Gold Fusiliers in the home aquarium is rare and not well-documented. In the wild, they are known to spawn in open water, where fertilized eggs are left to drift with the currents until hatching.

Habitat

Blue and Gold Fusiliers are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. They inhabit clear lagoon and seaward reefs, often seen above the reef slopes and edges. They typically occur in depths ranging from surface waters down to about 20 meters.

Their natural habitat includes areas with strong currents where they can hunt for zooplankton, and they are often observed in large, loose schools.