Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown-and-white butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Africa: Sri Lanka, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar and others
Description
The brown-and-white butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from the Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a dark-brown to black body with a conspicuous broad white, pyramid-shaped band across the middle. Unlike many relatives it swarms in large schools in open water along steep reef slopes and picks zooplankton from the current. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown-and-white butterflyfish?
The Brown-and-white butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly black.
Where does the Brown-and-white butterflyfish live?
The Brown-and-white butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Sri Lanka, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar and others
How big does the Brown-and-white butterflyfish get?
The Brown-and-white butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Brown-and-white butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown-and-white 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hemitaurichthys
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown-and-white butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown-and-white butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.