Pterocaesio chrysozona (Cuvier, 1830)
Goldband fusilier
Pterocaesio chrysozona
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Caesionidae (Fusiliers), subfamily: Caesioninae
Max. size:  21 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 25 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to eastern Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Body light blue to brownish dorsally, white to pinkish ventrally. Broad yellow stripe just under lateral line (Ref. 48636). 4-5 cheek scales; 21-27 predorsal scales; scaled dorsal and anal fins. Upper peduncular scale rows usually 11 (11-13); lower peduncular scale rows usually 15 (14-17). Ventrolateral surface of basioccipital with a broad process for insertion of Baudelot's ligament. Post maxillary with 2 processes; posterior end of maxilla tapered. Small conical teeth in jaws, voter and palatines (Ref. 1723). Head length 3.0-3.5 in SL; body depth 3.3-4.6 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Ranges widely around coral reefs. Found in schools. Feeds on zooplankton in large midwater aggregations. Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs (Ref. 402). Also caught by drive-in nets. Valuable tuna baitfish.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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