Wide-band fusilier

Appearance

Max length : 23.0 cm. Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12 - 13. Body bluish or reddish dorsally, lighter ventrally. 4-5 cheek scales; 23-30 predorsal scales; scaled dorsal and anal fins; confluent Supra-temporal band of scales at dorsal midline. Upper peduncular scale rows 12-14; lower peduncular scale rows usually 16-17 (15-17). Post maxillary processes 2; posterior end of maxilla tapered. A small flat process on either side of ventrolateral surface of basioccipital, projection not ventrally far from ventral rim of condyle. Caudal fin lobes with dark tips. Head length 3.1-3.7 in SL; body depth 4.1-5.3 in SL.

Distribution

Indian Ocean: Chagos Archipelago to Christmas and Cocos-Keeling islands. Western Central Pacific: Papua New Guinea, Philippines. Reports from the Comoros in western Indian Ocean is being confirmed.

Status

Least Concern.

Habitat

Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 50 m. Inhabits coastal, lagoon, and seaward areas around coral reefs.

Reproduction

Oviparous, with numerous, small pelagic eggs.

Food

Feeds on zooplankton in midwater aggregations.