Blue-and-yellow Fusilier

Caesio teres

The Blue-and-yellow Fusilier (Caeso teres) is a tropical reef fish recognized by its striking bicolor pattern—bright blue forward fading to vivid yellow on the rear body and tail. This schooling species inhabits coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, feeding primarily on zooplankton in the water column. While not a major sport fish, it is pursued by light-tackle anglers in tropical regions and p

Saltwater

Blue-and-yellow Fusilier reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Distinctive bicolor pattern: vivid blue on head and forward body, transitioning sharply to bright yellow on posterior body, caudal peduncle, and tail
Fusiform (torpedo) body shape with deeply forked caudal fin and single dorsal fin
Relatively small mouth with protrusible jaw typical of zooplanktivorous reef fishes

Habitat

Indo-Pacific coral reefs and lagoon areas from the Red Sea and East Africa to Fiji and the Samoan Islands, typically found near reef edges and drop-offs in 5-40 meters of clear tropical marine water.

Bait notes

Light tackle with small hooks; effective baits include cut shrimp, small fish pieces, and zooplankton imitating lures such as tiny jigs or frozen mysid shrimp.

Behavior

Forms large, fast-moving schools near reef structures; feeds on zooplankton by rapidly swimming upward into prey concentrations; often mixes with other fusilier species; tends to be more active during incoming tides.

Caution

Standard tropical reef fish advisories apply—monitor local consumption guidelines regarding mercury and ciguatera risk in certain regions.

Fishing notes

Best targeted around reef channels, passes, and current-swept reef edges using ultra-light to light tackle; cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly to mimic fleeing zooplankton; rarely targeted specifically due to small size and schooling behavior.