Threadfin Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon auriga, belongs to the Chaetodontidae family. It’s found in many parts of the Indo-Pacific region.
This fish lives in different environments, from coral reefs to areas with weeds and rubble.
Threadfin butterflyfish swims close to the ocean floor and is seen alone, in pairs, or in groups.
It travels long distances looking for food. Threadfin butterflyfish feeds on worms, sea anemones, coral pieces, and algae.
This fish is not safe for coral reefs.
Threadfin Butterflyfish Interesting Facts
- Threadfin butterflyfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, living near coral reefs at depths of 1 to 60 meters.
- They have a varied diet consisting of worms, sea anemones, coral pieces, and algae.
- Adults display a unique chevron pattern on their sides and a black stripe across their eye.
- These fish exhibit monogamous mating behavior, pairing with only one partner.
Threadfin Butterflyfish Habitat
Threadfin butterflyfish is a colorful, tropical fish found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Its habitat stretches from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii, Japan, and some islands in the southern Pacific Ocean.
This fish lives in marine environments near coral reefs at depths of 1 to 60 meters (3 to 197 feet).
It doesn’t migrate and prefers warm waters with a temperature range of 30°N to 20°S.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Threadfin Butterflyfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 9.1 inches (23.0 centimeters)
Threadfin butterflyfish grows up to 9.1 inches (23.0 centimeters) long.
It has 12 to 13 dorsal spines, 22 to 25 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 19 to 21 anal soft rays.
Threadfin butterflyfish have a chevron pattern on their sides and a noticeable black spot on the back part of their dorsal fin.
Adult fish have a black stripe across their eye and a thin extension coming from the top part of their dorsal fin.
Young threadfin butterflyfish has a black bar hiding their eye and a similar-sized black spot on the dorsal fin.
Snout length is between 2.2 to 2.8 times shorter than the head length, while body depth is about 1.6 to 1.8 times shorter than the standard body length.
Threadfin Butterflyfish Reproduction
Threadfin butterflyfish lays eggs to reproduce. This fish has a unique pairing behavior. It’s monogamous, meaning it mates with only one partner.
This mating pattern is seen as both necessary and social in their lives.
Threadfin Butterflyfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Chaetodontidae |
| Genus: | Chaetodon |
| Scientific Name: | Chaetodon auriga |
| Also Known As: | Threadfin Butterflyfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |