Blacktail butterflyfish
📖 Overview
Adults are found in coral rich areas; juveniles confined to single coral heads . Territorial and usually in pairs. Mainly diurnal. Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20 - 21; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 19; Vertebrae: 24. Axillary scale present. Color: Presence of band around head connected at the nape and throat. Mouth and chin area black while interorbital area with varying patterns of lines, dots and triangles.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blacktail butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Blacktail butterflyfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Form pairs during breeding . Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 1 - 15 m . Tropical; 30°N - 10°N Indian Ocean: Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Chaetodon Austriacus is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 114 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blacktail butterflyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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