Yellowtail Fusilier
Caesio cuning · SEE-zee-oh KOO-ning
diurnalschoolsLeast Concern
EdibleFriendly
Superpower
Schools in fast bright rivers that pour over the reef like flowing colour.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 30 cm, up to 60 cm
- Lifespan
- 6–10 years
- Depth
- 1–60 m
Habitat
Reef edges and drop-offs in open water.
Diet
Plankton taken in midwater.
Can I eat it?
Yes — edible · tastiness 7/10.
How to cook: Grilled or fried — the popular pink-and-yellow 'dalagang bukid'.
Fun facts
- In the Philippines it is the beloved 'dalagang bukid'.
- Fusiliers are fast, streamlined relatives of snappers.
- Their bright colours dull to silver-red at night.