The Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ocellicaudus) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The spot-tail butterflyfish is a butterflyfish from the western Pacific, ranging from Malaysia and the Philippines to New Guinea and Palau. It grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, strongly compressed, mostly white and yellow body with black markings and a conspicuous dark spot on the caudal peduncle. It lives on coral-rich reef flats, in lagoons and on outer slopes between 3 and 50 metres depth and feeds on the polyps of soft corals. The fish usually occurs in pairs. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Butterflyfish?
The Butterflyfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Butterflyfish live?
The Butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.
How big does the Butterflyfish get?
The Butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Butterflyfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Butterflyfish is harmless to humans.
Is the Butterflyfish edible?
The Butterflyfish is not usually eaten.
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Chaetodon
More from the family Chaetodontidae
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.