Chaetodon ornatissimus

(Cuvier, 1831)

Vernacular names
English : Ornate butterflyfish
French : Poisson papillon orné

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Acanthuriformes (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Chaetodontidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species can reach 20 cm in length. Oval-shaped body. Coloration grey-white with broad slightly curving orange bands on flanks. Fins with yellow and black edges except for pectoral fins. Head yellow with three vertical black lines.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, from Seychelles and Maldives to Pitcairn islands and Hawaii, north to south Japan, south to Lord Howe island. Lives in areas of rich coral growth in lagoons and outer reefs, to 36 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a very large range. It is totally dependent on corals for its survival and habitat loss could become a major threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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