Teardrop Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon unimaculatus, is a type of marine fish with ray-like fins.
It belongs to the butterflyfish family called Chaetodontidae. You can find this fish in the Indo-Pacific region.
This fish lives in small groups and is found in areas like reef flats, clear lagoons, and seaward reefs. It swims close to the ocean floor (benthopelagic).
Teardrop butterflyfish diet includes soft and hard corals, worm-like creatures called polychaetes, small crustaceans, and stringy algae.
In Indonesia, this fish is usually seen at moderate depths and swim in small groups.
Adult teardrop butterflyfish mainly stays at 20 to 60 meters deep. This fish is not safe for coral reefs.
Teardrop Butterflyfish Interesting Facts
- Teardrop butterflyfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting reef flats, clear lagoons and seaward reefs.
- Their diet consists of corals, worm-like polychaetes, small crustaceans, and stringy algae.
- These fish form monogamous pairs for breeding and mate for life.
- They are easily identifiable by their yellow, white, and black coloring.
Teardrop Butterflyfish Habitat
Teardrop butterflyfish is a tropical fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. Its habitat ranges from East Africa (including South Africa) to Hawaii, Marquesan, and Ducie islands.
It also lives near Japan, Lord Howe Island, Rapa Island, and throughout Micronesia.
This fish is commonly found in marine environments near reefs at depths of 1 to 60 meters (3 to 197 feet).
It thrives in tropical waters between 35°N to 35°S latitude and 95°E to 125°W longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Teardrop Butterflyfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 6.3 inches (16.0 centimeters)
The maximum length teardrop butterflyfish can grow is up to 7.9 inches (20.0 centimeters) long but is commonly found at 6.3 inches (16.0 centimeters).
It has 12 to 13 spines on its dorsal fin and 19 to 23 soft rays. Its anal fin has three spines and 18 to 20 soft rays.
Teardrop butterflyfish are found in yellow, white, and black colors, making it easy to identify. Its tail fin is transparent.
Young teardrop butterflyfish look the same as adults in terms of color.
The snout’s length is about 2.2 to 2.7 times shorter than the head length while the body depth measures between 1.4 to 1.6 times shorter than the standard body length.
Teardrop Butterflyfish Reproduction
Teardrop butterflyfish form unique pairs, meaning they have just one partner.
These fish are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. They mate for life and are both required and social in their monogamous relationships.
Teardrop Butterflyfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Chaetodontidae |
| Genus: | Chaetodon |
| Scientific Name: | Chaetodon unimaculatus |
| Also Known As: | Teardrop Butterflyfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |