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Indian butterflyfish (Roa jayakari) — Chaetodontidae

Indian butterflyfish

Roa jayakari

The Indian butterflyfish (Roa jayakari) is a saltwater fish of the family Chaetodontidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
33–280 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Indian butterflyfish is a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae) from the northwest Indian Ocean, including the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a deep, white body with a few broad, dark vertical bands and yellow fin edges. As a reef-dweller it lives on deeper coral and rocky reefs and picks coral polyps and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Indian butterflyfish?

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

Where does the Indian butterflyfish live?

The Indian butterflyfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: India, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia

How big does the Indian butterflyfish get?

The Indian butterflyfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Indian butterflyfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Indian 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 Indian butterflyfish edible?

Yes, the Indian butterflyfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Indian butterflyfish (Roa jayakari) — Chaetodontidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — K.V. Akhilesh & Beni. N (CC BY 3.0)
Indian butterflyfish (Roa jayakari) — Chaetodontidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Hamid Badar Osmany (CC BY 3.0)

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All data

Identification

English name
Indian butterflyfish sourced
Scientific name
Roa jayakari
Family
Chaetodontidae
Other names
Indian golden-barred butterflyfish; Indian barred butterflyfish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
33 verified
Max depth (m)
280 verified
Natural range
Asia: India, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

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 Roa

More from the family Chaetodontidae

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