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White-fronted butterflyfish (Chaetodon mesoleucos) — Chaetodontidae

White-fronted butterflyfish

Chaetodon mesoleucos

The White-fronted butterflyfish (Chaetodon mesoleucos) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
5.0–20.0 m
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, Socotra Arch.

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Description

The White-fronted butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, disc-shaped body with a small, pointed mouth. The forebody is white and the rear body dark, with a yellow tail region. 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 White-fronted butterflyfish?

The White-fronted butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly white.

Where does the White-fronted butterflyfish live?

The White-fronted butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, Socotra Arch.

How big does the White-fronted butterflyfish get?

The White-fronted butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.

Is the White-fronted butterflyfish dangerous to humans?

No, the White-fronted 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
White-fronted butterflyfish sourced
Scientific name
Chaetodon mesoleucos
Family
Chaetodontidae
Other names
White-face butterflyfish; White fronted butter flyfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
13.0 verified
Average length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
5.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, Socotra Arch. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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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