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Dwarf fusilier (Dipterygonotus balteatus) — Caesionidae

Dwarf fusilier

Dipterygonotus balteatus
Family: Caesionidae
LC · Least Concern

The Dwarf fusilier (Dipterygonotus balteatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Caesionidae that grows up to 14 cm.

Length
14 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
37.0–91.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The mottled fusilier is a fusilier (Caesionidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species is small and slender with a silvery, streamlined body, adapted to a fast, schooling life in open water. It is primarily a near-shore pelagic species that swims mainly in open water away from reefs and forms dense schools, often mixed with other small schooling fishes. It feeds on zooplankton carried by the current. It is a prey fish for larger predators. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf fusilier?

The Dwarf fusilier has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Dwarf fusilier live?

The Dwarf fusilier lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Dwarf fusilier get?

The Dwarf fusilier grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.

Is the Dwarf fusilier dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf fusilier is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf fusilier edible?

The Dwarf fusilier is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gestreepte fuselier sourced
English name
Dwarf fusilier verified
Scientific name
Dipterygonotus balteatus
Family
Caesionidae
Other names
Fusilier; Mottled fusilier verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
37.0 verified
Max depth (m)
91.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Caesionidae

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