Butterfly Fish

This species is distinguished by the following characters: snout length 2.5-3.2 in head length; greatest body depth 1.5-1.7 in SL. Body pattern chevron with narrow lines on side; black band across posterior body which does not include entire rear part of dorsal fin (Ref. 90102).

Uronema infection. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.)

Distinct pairing (Ref. 205). Stable monogamous pairs with both pair members jointly defending a feeding territory. Pelagic larvae settle to shallow (

Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23 - 25; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 19 - 22

Found in reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs and sometimes in turbid waters subject to freshwater runoff. Swims in pairs. Omnivorous, feeds on algae, coral polyps, crustaceans and worms (Ref. 5503). Hardly territorial and often accompanies other species without being aggressive. Easily maintained in tanks.

Adults are found in reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs and sometimes in turbid waters subject to freshwater runoff swimming in pairs. They are omnivorous, feeding on algae, coral polyps, crustaceans and worms (Ref. 5503). They are oviparous (Ref. 205) and monogamous (Ref. 52884). Stable monogamous pairs with both pair members jointly defending a feeding territory against other pairs (Ref. 58331) occur, but often accompany other species without being aggressive. They are easily maintained in tanks.

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; price category: unknown; price reliability: