Fin's Fish Guide
The Tinker's butterflyfish (Chaetodon tinkeri) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Oceania: Cook Is., French Polynesia, Johnston I., Marshall Is., Viet Nam, Hawaii
Description
The Tinker's butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from the central Pacific, around Hawaii. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, disc-shaped body with a small, pointed mouth. The lower half is white and the upper half black-spotted, with a yellow snout; it lives on deeper reefs. As a reef-dweller it searches coral and rocky reefs for coral polyps, small invertebrates and algae; many species live in pairs. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tinker's butterflyfish?
The Tinker's butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Tinker's butterflyfish live?
The Tinker's butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Cook Is., French Polynesia, Johnston I., Marshall Is., Viet Nam, Hawaii
How big does the Tinker's butterflyfish get?
The Tinker's butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Tinker's butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Tinker's 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.
Is the Tinker's butterflyfish edible?
Yes, the Tinker's butterflyfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Tinker's butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tinker's butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Tinker's butterflyfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tinker's butterflyfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.