Yellowtail Fusilier

Caesio cuning

Yellowtail Fusilier (Caesio cuning) is a reef-associated schooling fusilier of the Indo-Pacific, often gathering in midwater above outer reefs and drop-offs. It feeds on zooplankton and is sometimes taken by spearfishers or by small baits; it is not a major gamefish in most areas.

Saltwater

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

Identification points

Bright yellow caudal fin and yellow posterior body tint
Slender fusilier shape with deeply forked tail
Bluish to pinkish-silver body with narrow yellow stripes and a pointed snout

Habitat

Outer reef slopes, lagoon and channel edges, drop-offs, and current-swept coral reefs; commonly forms midwater schools above reef structure in clear tropical saltwater.

Bait notes

Small bits of shrimp, squid, or fish flesh can work; tiny jigs, micro-soft plastics, and small flashy lures may draw strikes when schools are feeding. It is usually best targeted incidentally rather than as a primary sportfish.

Behavior

A fast, open-water planktivore that schools tightly, often moving in the water column with current and feeding on drifting zooplankton, especially around reef edges and bait concentrations.

Caution

Like many reef fish, it can carry ciguatera risk in some tropical locations; avoid eating large reef-dwelling individuals from known risk areas. Handle carefully around sharp dorsal spines and local harvest rules.

Fishing notes

Use light tackle and small hooks, and fish midwater over reefs or along current seams. Cast ahead of moving schools and retrieve steadily; chumming may keep fish near the boat where legal.