threadfin butterflyfish

Scientific name Chaetodon auriga
Descriptor Forsskål
Year of description 1775
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Chaetodontidae
Genus Chaetodon
Chaetodon auriga Chaetodon auriga

Introduction

The Chaetodon auriga is a tropical fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is known from the Red Sea to South Africa and east to the Hawaiian Islands.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    20 cm
  • Maximum size
    23 cm
  • Shape
    Circular
  • Pattern
    diagonal stripes
  • Average size
    20 cm
  • Maximum size
    23 cm
  • Shape
    Circular
  • Pattern
    diagonal stripes

How to recognize the threadfin butterflyfish ?

The threadfin butterflyfish is tricolored with a predominantly orange-yellow, black, and white pattern. It has diagonal stripes in both black colours.

Sexual dimorphism

Dimorphism not specified.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living as a couple or in a group
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

This species tends to be easily stressed: this uneasiness is characterized by the appearance of marked black bars on its whole body.

The Chaetodon auriga is a solitary, pairing, or schooling fish. Like other Chaetodon species, these fish have an energetic swimming style.

In general, it is an independent fish that does not pay much attention to other species. However, it may show some signs of aggression towards its conspecifics.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond en eau libre

The Chaetodon auriga is an oviparous fish that spawns in open water. The species reproduces in pairs.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    23 - 27 °C
  • Depth
    1 - 60 m
  • Flow
    Medium

Biotope presentation

The Chaetodon auriga is most commonly found at depths less than 60 m. Individuals have been observed in a variety of habitats, ranging from rich coral reefs to seagrass beds. It is also a fish that can occasionally be found far from reefs, foraging for food.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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