Fusilier (Caesio sp)

Species Name : Caesio sp.

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Grey, Blue, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 24"

Origin :  Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean

Family : Caesionidae 

Minimum Tank Size : 130 gallons

The Fusilier (Caesio sp.), also known as the Red-Bellied Fusilier, the Redbelly Yellowtail Fusilier, and the Robust Fusilier is a colorful perciform fish from the Caesionidae family. Caesio – from the Latin “caesius”, meaning grey-blue. It is native to the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans.

Caesio sp. has a deep and laterally compressed body. The jaws, vomer, and palatines have small conical teeth. This species attains a maximum total length of 60 cm (24 in). The rear of the back, the caudal fin and the dorsal surface of the caudal peduncle are yellow. The rest of the upper body is greyish blue. The lower flanks and abdomen are white or pinkish. The pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are white to pink. The pectoral fin has black on its axil and on the upper part of its base. The dorsal fin is greyish-blue at the front and yellow at the rear. Adults and juveniles are often very different in coloration.

They need a large, open aquarium with plenty of swimming room. A 130-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of swimming room is recommended. 

They do well with groupers, snappers, large wrasse, and other large predatory fish as long as they are not large enough to consume the Fusilers. They will not usually bother other tankmates or corals but may prey on small crustaceans like shrimp or crabs. 

The Fusiler should be offered a balanced diet of both meaty and vegetable items. Offer mysis and vitamin enriched brine shrimp, frozen carnivore and omnivore foods, as well as a quality flake food.