Common name: three-stripe fusilier

General information

The Three-lined Fusilier, scientifically known as Pterocaesio trilineata, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and movement to a saltwater aquarium. This species is characterized by its elongated body, forked tail, and distinctive three horizontal stripes running along its sides. Fusiliers are closely related to snappers and are part of the Caesionidae family.

In the wild, they are often found in large schools, swimming in open water above reefs where they feed on zooplankton. Their schooling behavior is not only a spectacle for divers but also an interesting trait for aquarists who wish to replicate a dynamic reef environment.

Care

Three-lined Fusiliers are relatively hardy fish that require a spacious tank to accommodate their active swimming habits. They thrive in well-oxygenated water with strong currents that mimic their natural pelagic habitat. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their health and coloration.

Due to their schooling nature, it is recommended to keep them in groups, which can reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. However, they are best suited for larger aquariums where they have ample space to swim.

Reproduction

In the wild, Three-lined Fusiliers spawn in groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs externally. The eggs are pelagic, drifting with the currents until they hatch. Reproducing this species in captivity is challenging and not commonly done by hobbyists.

Habitat

Pterocaesio trilineata is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit clear lagoons and seaward reefs, typically at depths ranging from surface waters to about 50 meters. Their preference for open water above coral reefs makes them a fascinating addition to a large, well-established reef aquarium that can mimic their natural surroundings.