Fin's Fish Guide
The Black butterflyfish (Chaetodon flavirostris) is a brackish-water fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The dusky butterflyfish is a butterflyfish from the southwest Pacific, around Australia and the islands of Oceania. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a mostly dark, almost black body with yellow bands on the head and yellow fin margins. As a reef-dweller it searches in pairs over rocky and coral reefs for algae, small invertebrates and polyps. 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 Black butterflyfish?
The Black butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Dark body with yellow head bands; reef butterflyfish in pairs
Where does the Black butterflyfish live?
The Black butterflyfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Southwest Pacific
How big does the Black butterflyfish get?
The Black butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Black butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black 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 Black butterflyfish edible?
The Black butterflyfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Black butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Black butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.