Other Saltwater
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Chaetodon auriga
SaltwaterChaetodontidaeLeast Concern
About
The Threadfin Butterflyfish is a striking reef fish characterized by its oval body shape and distinctive elongated dorsal filament. They are active swimmers, often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging among coral reefs.
- Average size
- Up to 9 inches (23 cm)
- Colors
- White or pale yellow body with diagonal black stripes, a prominent black eyespot on the dorsal fin, and a yellow caudal fin. Some individuals may have an orange patch on their flanks.
- Diet
- Primarily feeds on coral polyps, algae, and small invertebrates.
- Region
- Not found in the US; native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending to Japan, Micronesia, and Australia.