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Oman butterflyfish (Chaetodon dialeucos) — Chaetodontidae

Oman butterflyfish

Chaetodon dialeucos

The Oman butterflyfish (Chaetodon dialeucos) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–10.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Oman

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Description

The Oman butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from reef water of the Arabian Sea, off Oman. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, white body with fine dark lines, a black eye band and a yellow cast at the rear. With its narrow, pointed mouth it picks coral polyps, small invertebrates and algae from the reef. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Oman butterflyfish?

The Oman butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Oman butterflyfish live?

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

How big does the Oman butterflyfish get?

The Oman butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Oman butterflyfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Oman butterflyfish 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

Oman butterflyfish (Chaetodon dialeucos) — Chaetodontidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Oman butterflyfish sourced
Scientific name
Chaetodon dialeucos
Family
Chaetodontidae
Other names
Oman butterflyfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Oman sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

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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