Name: Threadfin butterflyfish
Scientific Name: Chaetodon auriga (Forsskål, 1775)
Family: Chaetodontidae
Group: Bony fish
Class: Fish
Size: 11-25 cm.
This fish is very common in coral reefs and in areas with mixed bottoms of sand and coral. Although it can occur alone, it more commonly swims in pairs. However, when these pairs find sites with plenty of food, they form large aggregations. It is distinguished from other butterfly fish by the presence of a black spot on its caudal fin, which functions as a false eye and confuses other animals as to the position of its head and body. However, the Red Sea population does not have this spot.
Photo by:
Ryan Tracey (fins.actwin.com)
Oceanário Location
Global Ocean
