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Blue-lined butterfly (Chaetodon fremblii) — Chaetodontidae

Blue-lined butterfly

Chaetodon fremblii
LC · Least Concern

The Blue-lined butterfly (Chaetodon fremblii) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
4.0–65.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago; rocky and coral-rich reefs.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The bluestripe butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago. The species has a yellow body with oblique blue stripes, a black spot near the nape and no eye band, which makes it unmistakable. It lives on rocky and coral-rich reefs, often into deeper water. As an omnivore it picks the tentacles of tubeworms, small invertebrates and algae. It lives solitary or in pairs. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue-lined butterfly?

The Blue-lined butterfly has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Yellow with oblique blue streaks, without an eye band; endemic Hawaiian butterflyfish.

Where does the Blue-lined butterfly live?

The Blue-lined butterfly lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago; rocky and coral-rich reefs.

How big does the Blue-lined butterfly get?

The Blue-lined butterfly grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Blue-lined butterfly dangerous to humans?

No, the Blue-lined butterfly is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Blue-lined butterfly edible?

The Blue-lined butterfly is not usually eaten.

More photos

Blue-lined butterfly (Chaetodon fremblii) — Chaetodontidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) 116916927065934112165, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Blue-lined butterfly (Chaetodon fremblii) — Chaetodontidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) pkondrashov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Blue-lined butterfly (Chaetodon fremblii) — Chaetodontidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) David R, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Blue-lined butterfly (Chaetodon fremblii) — Chaetodontidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) David R, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Blue-lined butterfly verified
Scientific name
Chaetodon fremblii
Family
Chaetodontidae
Other names
Bluestripe butterflyfish; Bluestriped butterflyfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
4.0 verified
Max depth (m)
65.0 verified
Natural range
Endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago; rocky and coral-rich reefs. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Tentacles of tube worms, small invertebrates and algae sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Yellow with oblique blue streaks, without an eye band; endemic Hawaiian butterflyfish. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Chaetodon

More from the family Chaetodontidae

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