Fin's Fish Guide
The Eight banded butterfly fish (Chaetodon octofasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The eightband butterflyfish is a butterflyfish of the family Chaetodontidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a deep, yellow-white, disc-shaped body with eight narrow, dark vertical bands. It swims in pairs in coral-rich parts of sheltered lagoon and inshore reefs; juveniles stay in groups among branching coral. As a specialised coral feeder it feeds almost exclusively on coral polyps, making it highly dependent on healthy coral. Owing to this specialisation it is difficult to keep in the aquarium. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eight banded butterfly fish?
The Eight banded butterfly fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Eight narrow dark vertical bars; specialised coral eater, highly dependent on healthy coral.
Where does the Eight banded butterfly fish live?
The Eight banded butterfly fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coral-rich sheltered lagoon and coastal reefs.
How big does the Eight banded butterfly fish get?
The Eight banded butterfly fish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Eight banded butterfly fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Eight banded butterfly fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eight banded butterfly fish edible?
The Eight banded butterfly fish 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 Chaetodon
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Eight banded butterfly fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eight banded butterfly fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.