Yellowtail False Fusilier

Paracaesio xanthurus

The Yellowtail False Fusilier is a reef-associated fish found in tropical waters ranging from East Africa to the Austral Islands, extending north to southern Japan and south to southeastern Australia. It is characterized by its bright blue body with a broad yellow band across the dorsal half, including most of the caudal peduncle fin. The body is relatively deep and laterally compressed, with a fusiform shape. The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 10-11 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8-9 soft rays. The species can grow up to 50 cm in length. This fish is commonly found over rocky bottoms and often forms large schools. It primarily feeds on zooplankton, which it captures while swimming in open water. Divers may encounter these fish at depths ranging from 5 to 250 meters, although most sightings occur shallower than 100 meters. The Yellowtail False Fusilier is harmless to humans and is often caught using handlines and bottom longlines for fresh or frozen markets. The IUCN has assessed the Yellowtail False Fusilier as Least Concern. Divers observing this species can expect to see it actively swimming in schools, often in the company of other reef fish.