Fin's Fish Guide
The Asian butterflyfish (Chaetodon argentatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The Asian butterflyfish is a butterflyfish from the northwest Pacific, around Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, silvery-white, laterally compressed body with fine dark oblique stripes, a dark eye band and a dark band across the tail base. As a reef-dweller it searches in pairs among coral for small invertebrates, polyps and algae. The fish is harmless to humans and appears in the reef aquarium. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Asian butterflyfish?
The Asian butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Silvery-white body with a dark eye band and tail band; reef butterflyfish in pairs
Where does the Asian butterflyfish live?
The Asian butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Northwest Pacific
How big does the Asian butterflyfish get?
The Asian butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Asian butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Asian butterflyfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Asian butterflyfish edible?
The Asian butterflyfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chaetodon
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Asian butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Asian butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.