Redtail butterflyfish
📖 Overview
Adults occur in coral reefs in pairs or several aggregations. Juveniles in estuaries . Commonly exported to Europe and America, but quite difficult to acclimate to aquarium conditions. Feed on coral polyps. Usually found on reef edge and upper slope . Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 28; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 20 - 22. : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Redtail butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Redtail butterflyfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing . Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 1 - 20 m . Tropical West Pacific: Persian Gulf and Maldives to Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia.
🌿 Ecology
coral polyps
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Redtail butterflyfish 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 | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 113 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Redtail butterflyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaetodon collare duplicicollis | Ahl | 1923 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon collaris | Bloch | 1787 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon fowleri | Klausewitz | 1955 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon parallelus | Gronow | 1854 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon praetextatus | Cantor | 1849 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon viridis | Bleeker | 1845 | Synonym |
| Chaetodontops collare | Bloch | 1787 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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