Goldsash Fusilier

Caesio xanthalytos

The Goldsash Fusilier is a medium-sized reef fish known for its distinctive appearance. It features a prominent yellow lateral band, bordered by irregular dark brown stripes, with a narrow blue stripe running through the yellow. This band is mostly above the lateral line, which is a key identification feature. The fish has a fusiform body shape with a compressed cross-section, and it can grow up to 22 cm in length. It has 10 dorsal spines, 15 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 11 to 12 anal soft rays. This species is found in the Western Indian Ocean, including regions like Kenya, Tanzania, southern Mozambique, KwaZulu-Natal, southern Madagascar, and the Laccadive Archipelago. It inhabits marine and brackish waters, typically within a depth range of 8 to 40 meters. The Goldsash Fusilier is often seen schooling with Caesio variliniata, forming large shoals, particularly in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The Goldsash Fusilier is harmless to humans and is of commercial interest in fisheries. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Divers encountering this species can expect to see it in large, active schools, often in pelagic-neritic zones. Its prolific spawning is evident in areas like Park Rynie, KwaZulu-Natal, where eggs are abundant in plankton collections.