- Check the sub-map for the specimen information files -
FUSILIER - CAESIONIDAE
There are around twenty different species of fusilier, of which twelve live in the Indian Ocean. These narrow long-shaped fish are mostly silvery-blue with some yellow body parts or stripes. During the day they swim around in open water feeding on plankton. Fuselier often swim far away from the reef, but incase of danger, will swim in schools towards the reef to look for a safety. They tend to swim in a synchronized fashion, so when one changes course, when in any danger, they all follow. One of their favorite spots are the so called ‘cleaning stations’ where small cleaner wrasse will help by taking away parasites from their body. When the school leaves the place, also the not cleaned fuselier will directly follow and get another chance at the next stop. Often two to three different species of fuselier are seen swimming together in one large school but it is not always easy to spot their differences. During the night they hide on the reef and a part of the belly colors red-pink. This can also be seen when they are cleaned at the local cleaning station. All Caesionidae juveniles are born female but will become males over time. After mating, the eggs will be brought into open water where they have no predators.
- Check the sub-map for the specimen information files -