Fin's Fish Guide
The Gold-banded butterflyfish (Chaetodon aureofasciatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The gold-banded butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from northern Australia (from Coral Bay in Western Australia to Moreton Bay in Queensland) and southern Papua New Guinea. The species reaches about 16 cm and has a deep, yellow-coloured, compressed body with golden bands. It inhabits coastal and inner reefs; juveniles stay among branching corals. The fish occurs singly or in pairs and feeds on coral polyps, algae and small invertebrates. It forms pairs during breeding and can hybridise with the closely related Chaetodon rainfordi, with which it shares its range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gold-banded butterflyfish?
The Gold-banded butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Endemic to the Great Barrier Reef; can hybridise with Chaetodon rainfordi.
Where does the Gold-banded butterflyfish live?
The Gold-banded butterflyfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea.
How big does the Gold-banded butterflyfish get?
The Gold-banded butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Gold-banded butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Gold-banded butterflyfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gold-banded butterflyfish edible?
The Gold-banded butterflyfish is rarely eaten.
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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 Gold-banded butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gold-banded butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.