Fin's Fish Guide
The Brownbanded butterflyfish (Chaetodon modestus) is a fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Description
The brownbanded butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from the western Pacific. The species has a deep, silvery-white body with a few broad orange-brown crossbars and a conspicuous eyespot at the rear of the dorsal fin. It occurs on deeper rocky and coral bottoms, deeper than many related butterflyfishes. It feeds on small zooplankton and small bottom invertebrates. It lives solitary or in pairs. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brownbanded butterflyfish?
The Brownbanded butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Orange-brown vertical bars and an eyespot on the dorsal fin; butterflyfish of deeper bottoms.
Where does the Brownbanded butterflyfish live?
The Brownbanded butterflyfish is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; deeper rocky and coral bottoms.
How big does the Brownbanded butterflyfish get?
The Brownbanded butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Brownbanded butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Brownbanded butterflyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brownbanded butterflyfish edible?
The Brownbanded butterflyfish is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Brownbanded butterflyfish?
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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 Brownbanded butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brownbanded butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.