Hawaiian Butterflyfish, also known as the Tinker’s Butterflyfish, is a type of marine fish with ray-like fins.
It belongs to the Chaetodontidae family in the Perciformes order. Its scientific name is Chaetodon tinkeri.
You can find this fish in the central Pacific Ocean. This fish is often seen near steep slopes, either alone or in pairs, and sometimes even in small groups.
Hawaiian butterflyfish swim close to the ocean floor and feed on various tiny sea creatures found there.
These fish are popular and expensive aquarium pets but aren’t safe for coral reefs.
Hawaiian Butterflyfish Interesting Facts
- Hawaiian butterflyfish grow up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) long and has unique fin features, including 13 to 14 dorsal spines and three anal spines.
- Native to the central Pacific Ocean, they inhabit coral reefs at depths of 27 to 180 meters (89 to 591 feet).
- They feed on tiny sea creatures while swimming close to the ocean floor near steep slopes.
- Despite being popular aquarium pets, Hawaiian butterflyfish are not safe for coral reefs.
Hawaiian Butterflyfish Habitat
Hawaiian butterflyfish lives in the Pacific Ocean.
It was once only found around the Hawaiian Islands, but now it has been spotted near Johnston Island and the Marshall Islands too.
In the Line and Marquesan Islands, a different fish called Chaetodon declivis replaces it.
It’s a marine species that lives in coral reefs and is found at depths of 27 to 180 meters (89 to 591 feet).
This tropical fish lives between latitudes of 4°N to 28°N.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Hawaiian Butterflyfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters)
Hawaiian butterflyfish grows up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) long. It has 13 to 14 dorsal spines (spikes on its back) and 18 to 22 dorsal soft rays (soft fins).
This fish also has three anal spines and 16 to 17 anal soft rays.
One key difference between Hawaiian butterflyfish and another similar species called C. flavocoronatus is that the former doesn’t have a wide yellow band on the back of its head.
Hawaiian Butterflyfish Reproduction
Hawaiian butterflyfish lay eggs and form pairs when breeding.
Hawaiian Butterflyfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Chaetodontidae |
| Genus: | Chaetodon |
| Scientific Name: | Chaetodon tinkeri |
| Also Known As: | Hawaiian Butterflyfish, Tinker’s Butterflyfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |