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Butterflyfish (Chaetodon punctatofasciatus) — Chaetodontidae

Butterflyfish

Chaetodon punctatofasciatus
LC · Least Concern

The Butterflyfish (Chaetodon punctatofasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–45.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The spotband butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from the western and central Pacific. The species has a yellow-white body with rows of dark spots on the lower half, fine dark crossbars on the upper back and a dark band through the eye. It occurs in coral-rich areas and clear water of lagoon and seaward reefs. It feeds on small invertebrates, coral polyps and algae. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Butterflyfish?

The Butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Butterflyfish live?

The Butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Butterflyfish get?

The Butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Butterflyfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Butterflyfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Butterflyfish edible?

The Butterflyfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Stipband-koraalvlinder sourced
English name
Butterflyfish verified
Scientific name
Chaetodon punctatofasciatus
Family
Chaetodontidae
Other names
Dot and dash butterflyfish; Sevenband butterflyfish; Spot band butterflyfish; Spot banded butterflyfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
45.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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