Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Characiformes
- Family
- Caesionidae
- Genus
- Caesio
- Species
- cuning
Habitat
This species inhabits coral reefs, lagoons, and clear coastal waters in the Indo-Pacific region. It prefers depths of 1 to 40 meters, often around drop-offs and outer reef slopes. They are commonly found in areas with strong currents that bring plankton.
Diet
The redbelly yellowtail fusilier primarily feeds on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and occasionally algae. They forage in schools during the day, swimming in midwater columns to filter feed. Feeding activity peaks in the morning and late afternoon when plankton is abundant.
Behavior
These fish form large, fast-moving schools for protection and feeding, often numbering in the hundreds. They are diurnal, active during the day and resting in sheltered areas at night. They exhibit coordinated swimming patterns and quick evasive maneuvers when threatened by predators.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.