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Herringbone butterflyfish (Chaetodon triangulum) — Chaetodontidae

Herringbone butterflyfish

Chaetodon triangulum
LC · Least Concern

The Herringbone butterflyfish (Chaetodon triangulum) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–25.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The triangle butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters. The species has a yellow-white body with a fine net pattern and a large black, triangular field on the tail, from which it gets its name. It inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs and is strongly tied to Acropora corals, especially staghorn coral. It feeds almost exclusively on coral polyps. It usually lives in pairs. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Herringbone butterflyfish?

The Herringbone butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Herringbone butterflyfish live?

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

How big does the Herringbone butterflyfish get?

The Herringbone butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Herringbone butterflyfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Herringbone butterflyfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Herringbone butterflyfish edible?

The Herringbone butterflyfish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Driehoek-koraalvlinder sourced
English name
Herringbone butterflyfish verified
Scientific name
Chaetodon triangulum
Family
Chaetodontidae
Other names
Triangle butterflyfish; Triangular butterflyfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Straight 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
Max depth (m)
25.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore 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
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. 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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