Pterocaesio was described as a genus in 1876 by the Dutch ichthyologist Pieter Bleeker with Franz Steindachner's Caesio multiradiatus as the type species.

Bleeker did not give an explanation of his name but it may be because the type species P. tile has a higher number of rays in the dorsal fin.

[4] Currently, 12 species in this genus are recognized,[5] and have been divided into subgenera by some authorities as follows:[3] Subgenus Squamosicaesio Carpenter 1987 Pterocaesio fusiliers are characterised by having fusiform, elongated bodies which show moderate lateral compression.

[4] Pterocaesio fusiliers are found in coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific, although they are absent from the Persian Gulf and the northern Arabian Sea, mainly remaining in the vicinity of coral reefs.

Their strategy for reproduction is characterised by apparently attaining sexual maturity at a young age, high fertility and an extended spawning season.