Fin's Fish Guide
The Blueblotch butterflyfish (Chaetodon plebeius) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The blueblotch butterflyfish is a small butterflyfish from the Western Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a yellow body with fine dark lines, a black eye band, a conspicuous blue blotch on the flank and a black spot on the tail base. It is strongly tied to living coral, of which it mainly eats polyps, and also hunts small crustaceans; juveniles sometimes clean larger fish. The fish appears in the reef aquarium. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blueblotch butterflyfish?
The Blueblotch butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Striking blue flank blotch; coral polyp eater strongly tied to living coral
Where does the Blueblotch butterflyfish live?
The Blueblotch butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific
How big does the Blueblotch butterflyfish get?
The Blueblotch butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Blueblotch butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blueblotch 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 Blueblotch butterflyfish edible?
The Blueblotch 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 Blueblotch butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blueblotch butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.