Fusiliers feed by picking zooplankton. They occur in large schools in mid-water over the reef, along steep outer reef slopes and around deep lagoon pinnacles. More than one species can be found together in a school. They are active swimmers during daytime and shelter within the reef at night.
There are 4 genera and about 22 species of Caesionidae worldwide. Malaysia has all 4 genera and about 15 species.