Fin's Fish Guide
The Checked swallowtail (Odontanthias borbonius) is a saltwater fish of the family Serranidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Africa: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Comoros, Guam, Indonesia, Japan, Madagascar and others
Description
The Checked swallowtail is a small sea bass (Serranidae) from deeper reefs of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, red-pink body. The pink-red body bears checked yellow blotches and a deeply forked tail. It hovers above steep reef slopes and picks zooplankton from the current. Like many sea basses it changes sex. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Checked swallowtail?
The Checked swallowtail has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.
Where does the Checked swallowtail live?
The Checked swallowtail lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Africa: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Comoros, Guam, Indonesia, Japan, Madagascar and others
How big does the Checked swallowtail get?
The Checked swallowtail grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Checked swallowtail dangerous to humans?
No, the Checked swallowtail 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Odontanthias
More from the family Serranidae
Want the complete picture on the Checked swallowtail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Checked swallowtail is one of 12,519 species in the app.