Fin's Fish Guide
The Lemon butterfly (Chaetodon miliaris) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The milletseed butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) endemic to the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a yellow body with vertical rows of small dark spots, like millet seeds, to which the English name refers, and a black bar across the eye. It inhabits shallow reef flats and forms schools in midwater to eat plankton and benthic invertebrates; also on shallow seamounts. It is oviparous and forms pairs during breeding. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lemon butterfly?
The Lemon butterfly has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Yellow colour with rows of 'millet grain' spots; Hawaiian endemic that eats plankton in shoals.
Where does the Lemon butterfly live?
The Lemon butterfly lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Endemic around the Hawaiian Islands; shallow reef flats and seamounts.
How big does the Lemon butterfly get?
The Lemon butterfly grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Lemon butterfly dangerous to humans?
No, the Lemon butterfly is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Lemon butterfly edible?
The Lemon butterfly 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 Lemon butterfly?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lemon butterfly is one of 12,519 species in the app.