Bluestreak Fusilier

This species is distinguished by the following characters: D X-XII,19-22 (rarely X); A III,13; dorsal and anal fins scaly; pectoral rays 22-24; two postmaxillary processes; small conical teeth in jaws; scales on lateral line 69-76 (usually 71), above to dorsal-fin origin 7-8, below to anal-fin origin 14-17; predorsal scales 24-32; greatest body depth 3.3-5.4 in SL; head length 3.4-3.9 in SL; lateral line covered for most of its length by a black stripe about 1 scale wide (on caudal peduncle this stripe is above lateral line); a brilliant light blue zone below black stripe, usually covering middle third of body, but sometimes restricted to anterior part of body, and sometimes absent; lower third of body white to pinkish (or reddish); pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins white to pinkish; axil and upper base of pectoral fins black; dorsal fin light bluish green to pinkish; caudal fin with a black streak within each lobe, the upper streak continuous with lateral stripe (Ref. 68703, 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 22; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 13

Occurs inshore (Ref. 75154). Sometimes schools with other caesionids.

Ranges widely around coral reefs. Juveniles occasionally appear in large numbers in shallow lagoons and on reef flats (Ref. 9710). Feeds on zooplankton in midwater aggregations. Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs (Ref. 402). Also caught by drive-in nets. Tuna baitfish.

fisheries: commercial; bait: usually