Fin's Fish Guide
The Brushytoothed butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The pyramid butterflyfish is a butterflyfish of the Indo-Pacific, ranging from Christmas Island and Indonesia to Hawaii and Pitcairn, north to southern Japan. It grows to about 18 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body that is mostly white with a large yellow triangle or pyramid on the flank and a yellowish-brown head. Unlike many relatives it eats not coral but zooplankton. It forms large schools that hover several metres above steep, current-swept outer reef slopes. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brushytoothed butterflyfish?
The Brushytoothed butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern. White flank with a large yellow pyramid; forms large plankton-eating shoals
Where does the Brushytoothed butterflyfish live?
The Brushytoothed butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Brushytoothed butterflyfish get?
The Brushytoothed butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Brushytoothed butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Brushytoothed 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 Brushytoothed butterflyfish edible?
The Brushytoothed 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 Hemitaurichthys
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Brushytoothed butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brushytoothed butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.