Top Fusiliers Caesio Not Elsewhere Included Fishing Countries

The Top Fusiliers, classified under the genus *Caesio* and related genera, are small to medium-sized schooling reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their slender, streamlined bodies and vibrant blue, yellow, or silver coloration, fusiliers are important both ecologically and commercially. They are typically harvested using small-scale artisanal methods such as handlines, traps, and small nets, but are also caught as bycatch in larger commercial operations. The leading countries fishing for fusiliers, especially those not classified under specific *Caesio* species ("Not Elsewhere Included"), include Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. These nations rely on fusiliers as a source of affordable protein for local consumption, and the fish are commonly sold fresh in local markets or dried and salted. The fishing industry for fusiliers in these countries is characterized by its integration into multi-species reef fisheries, making management and species-specific data collection challenging. Despite their abundance, concerns about overfishing and reef degradation have prompted some efforts toward sustainable management and monitoring in the region.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Indonesia25,036

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.