Foureye Butterflyfish belongs to the butterflyfish family (Chaetodontidae).
It lives in the Western Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts, USA, and Bermuda to northern South America.
Sometimes, it’s called Four-Eyed Butterflyfish. Foureye butterflyfish is the main species of its genus.
If this group gets divided, it will keep its current name along with close relatives like banded butterflyfish (C. striatus) and spot-finned butterflyfish (C. ocellatus).
This fish lives in shallow reefs and is usually found alone or in pairs. It feeds on coral, worms, sea fans, and sea squirts.
Foureye butterflyfish is not reef-safe for aquariums because of its diet preferences which can cause harm to coral reefs.
Foureye Butterflyfish Interesting Facts
- Foureye butterflyfish are found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, from Massachusetts to northern South America.
- These fish typically live in shallow reefs and have a unique diet consisting of coral, worms, sea fans, and sea squirts.
- They can be recognized by their distinctive appearance, including a large black spot with a white ring below the rear of their dorsal fin.
- During the breeding season, they form monogamous pairs and lay eggs together.
Foureye Butterflyfish Habitat
Foureye butterflyfish is found in the Western Atlantic. Its range includes Massachusetts, USA, and Bermuda to the West Indies and northern South America.
It’s also present in the Bahamas, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Antilles. This marine fish lives in reef-associated environments at depths of 2 to 20 meters (about 6 to 66 feet).
The preferred water temperature for this species is between 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C).
Foureye butterflyfish is found in subtropical regions from latitudes 37°N to 8°N and longitudes 100°W to 58°W.
| Water Temperature: | 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Foureye Butterflyfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters)
Foureye butterflyfish reaches maturity at about 3.6 inches (9.2 centimeters). This fish grows up to a maximum length of 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters).
It has 13 dorsal spines, 17 to 20 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 16 to 17 anal soft rays.
Some of its other physical characteristics include:
- Large black spot with a white ring on the body below the rear of the dorsal fin,
- Dark diagonal lines forming forward-pointing chevrons on the mid-side,
- The upper head profile is steep and slightly concave due to protruding snout,
- Light gray color, fading to pale yellowish on the sides,
- A black bar on the head, and
- Yellow pelvic fins.
Foureye Butterflyfish Reproduction
Foureye butterflyfish lay eggs to reproduce. During breeding, these fish form pairs.
They are monogamous, meaning they have only one mate at a time.
Foureye Butterflyfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Chaetodontidae |
| Genus: | Chaetodon |
| Scientific Name: | Chaetodon capistratus |
| Also Known As: | Foureye Butterflyfish, Four-Eyed Butterflyfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |