Threadfin Butterflyfish, Chaetodon auriga (Forsskål, 1775)

Introduction

The Threadfin Butterflyfish has a filament trailing from the soft dorsal fin of adults. The species occurs in tropical waters of the Indo-west and Central Pacific.

Identification

The Threadfin Butterflyfish can be recognised by its colouration and by the filament trailing from the soft dorsal fin of adults.

The body is white with dark chevron-shaped markings. The rear of the body and caudal peduncle are yellow. There is a dark spot on the soft dorsal fin and a black bar through the eye.

Habitat

It is usually seen in coral reef and inshore waters.

Distribution

The species occurs in marine waters of the Indo-west and Central Pacific. In Australia it is known from south-western Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south to the southern coast of New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
2. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.