scubaseason

Yellowback Fusilier

Caesio teres

Sighting evidence at Irabu Blue Cave, Miyako Islands

Dense schools of yellowback fusiliers orbit the cave entrance and reef slope in coordinated formations, feeding on zooplankton in the current while maintaining proximity to the reef for refuge. Their flashing silver and yellow colouring scatters the blue light from the cave entrance into a constantly moving mosaic. The school structure tightens dramatically when a trevally patrol approaches from the open water.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Yellowback Fusilier is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.