Threadfin butterflyfish

The threadfin butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) is a species of butterflyfish. These are tropical marine ray-finned fish in the family Chaetodontidae. They live in warm oceans in the Indo-Pacific region.

These fish are known for their bright colors and special shapes. People who love sea creatures find them very interesting. Butterflyfish like the threadfin help keep coral reefs healthy and balanced.

Distribution

The threadfin butterflyfish lives in the Indo-Pacific region. You can find it from the Red Sea and eastern Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesas, and Ducie islands. It lives as far north as southern Japan and as far south as Lord Howe Island and Rapa Iti. These fish stay at depths between 1 and 35 metres. In 2015, one was seen in the western Mediterranean Sea near Italy. It likely came from someone releasing it from an aquarium.

Description

The threadfin butterflyfish, Chaetodon auriga, can grow up to 23 centimeters (9 inches) long. It has a white body with special markings on its sides. One special feature is a black spot on its back fin with a thin line behind it, and a black band across its eye. This fish also has diagonal dark lines on its belly and bright yellow fins. There are two types: one found in the Red Sea without the black spot, and another found elsewhere that has this spot.

Taxonomy

The threadfin butterflyfish is part of a group called Rabdophorus. Some scientists believe this group should be its own special category. In this group, it is very close to the vagabond butterflyfish and the Indian vagabond butterflyfish. These fish have a special pattern of lines, but their back ends have different colors.