Suez Fusilier

Overview

The Suez fusilier is a marine ray-finned fish endemic to the Red Sea. It is a schooling species frequently found in coastal areas and around coral reefs, where it forms large aggregations in the midwater column.

Appearance

This species features a slender, fusiform, and laterally compressed body. Its coloration is primarily light silvery-blue, becoming paler on the ventral side, and marked with fine gray horizontal stripes. A distinct yellow line runs along the back at the base of the dorsal fin. A key identifying feature is the black blotch at the tip of each caudal-fin lobe, which is bordered proximally by a white band.

Biology & behavior

As a non-migratory, reef-associated fish, the Suez fusilier spends much of its time in large, active schools. It is an oviparous species that releases numerous small, pelagic eggs into the water column. These fish are primarily planktivores, using their protractile mouths to feed on zooplankton while swimming in open water near the reef structure.