Ruddy Fusilier

Pterocaesio pisang is a fish native to the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans, from Africa's east coast to Fiji.

Description

Variable body coloration, dark red to silvery, paler ventrally with lateral line darker; often yellowish snout and eyes. Caudal fin tips distinctly black or reddish black. 4-5 scales on cheek; 21-29 predorsal scales; scaled dorsal and anal fins. Upper peduncular scale rows usually 11 (10-12); lower peduncular scale rows usually 15 (13-17). ventrolateral surface of basioccipital with a broad process for attachment of Baudelot's ligament. Post maxillary with 2 processes; posterior end of maxilla tapered. Head length 3.0-3.5 in SL; body depth 3.6-4.8 in SL. Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13. Max length is 21 cm, common length is 13.8 cm.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: East Africa (excluding the Red Sea and Arabian (Persian) Gulf) eastward to Fiji.

Habitat

Ranges widely around coral reefs, sometimes forming schools with other Pterocaesio species. Feeds on zooplankton in midwater aggregations. Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs.