Hemitaurichthys polylepis

(Bleeker, 1857)

Vernacular names
English : Pyramid butterflyfish
French : Poisson-papillon pyramide jaune

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

Identification
The species will reach 18 cm in length. Brown-yellow face. Body mostly white with bright yellow areas on dorsal and anal fins and a bright yellow triangle from behind face to upper back, white color on back forming pyramid shape.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Pacific Ocean, from Christmas Islands and Indonesia to Pitcairn Islands, north to south Japan, south to New Caledonia. Lives in coral reefs, near and above steep outer reef slopes, from 3 to 60 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is common and widespread. Climate change and its impact on planktonic productivity could become a serious threat for this species.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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