Variable-lined Fusilier

Caesio varilineata is a pelagic marine fish belonging to the family Caesionidae.

Description

The variable-lined fusilier is a small to medium-sized fish which grows to about 40 cm (16 in) long. The eyes are large, the mouth is small and terminal and is protrusible, being able to be extended forward to swallow food. The body is fusiform or spindle-shaped. The caudal fin is deeply forked. The body colouration is silver green-blue with from 2 to 6 yellow longitudinal lines which intensity and width are variable. The external part of the lobes from the caudal fin are lined with black.

Distribution & habitat

Caesio varilineata is only found in the Indian Ocean from western Indonesia to the eastern coast of Africa, Red Sea and Persian Gulf included. It lives in the open water close to reef and the external reefs.

Biology

Variable-lined fusiliers are planktivore and tireless swimmers, they have also a gregarious behaviour and get mixed easily with other Caesionids. At night, they scatter in small groups on the reef to try to find a shelter to rest.