Pterocaesio digramma (Bleeker, 1864)
Double-lined fusilier
Pterocaesio digramma
photo by Cook, D.C.

Family:  Caesionidae (Fusiliers), subfamily: Caesioninae
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 50 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia and western Australia to New Caledonia, north to southern Japan. Recently reported from Norfolk Island (Ref. 8881) and Tonga (Ref. 53797). Report from RĂ©union (Ref. 4517) is probably a misidentification of Pterocaesio marri.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 11-12. Body blue to greenish dorsally, white ventrally. With two thin yellow to orange lines; lower line mostly just below lateral line. Black tips on caudal fin (Ref. 48636). 4-5 scales on cheek; 24-31 predorsal scales; scaled dorsal and anal fins. Upper peduncular scale rows usually 12 or 13 (11-14); lower peduncular scale rows usually 16 or 17 (16-18). A broad process on ventrolateral surface of basioccipital for attachment of Baudelot's ligament, extending ventrally beyond a horizontal with condyle's rim, adjacent to condyle. Post maxillary with 2 processes; posterior end of maxilla tapered (Ref. 1723). Head length 3.0-3.5 in SL; body depth 3.5-4.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in coastal areas, primarily around coral reefs (Ref. 402), turning bright red (Ref. 48636). Feed on zooplankton in midwater aggregations (Ref. 402). Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs (Ref. 402).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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