Lined butterflyfish
📖 Overview
Adults occur in lagoon and seaward reefs, usually in pairs in coral rich areas . Benthopelagic . They feed mainly on coral polyps and anemones, but also on small invertebrates and algae . Largest species in the genus . Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 27; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 19 - 22. The dorsal caudal and anal fins are bright yellow. Body color is white with a black elliptical marking along the edge of the posterior portion of the back extending across the caudal peduncle to the base of the posterior anal fin rays. A series of thin vertical black lines run across the sides, and a prominent vertical black band runs across the eye . Snout length 2.0-2.7 in HL. Body depth 1.4-1.7 in SL .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lined butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
The species is preyed on by many larger marine predators including sharks, eels, and snappers; predation may be intensified by loss of habitats and feeding grounds.
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing . Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 2 - 171 m . Tropical; 30°N - 28°S East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef and Lord Howe Island.
🌿 Ecology
coral polyps and anemones, but also on small invertebrates and algae (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anisochaetodon lineolatus | Cuvier | 1831 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon lieneolatus | Cuvier | 1831 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon lunatus | Cuvier | 1831 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon tallii | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Tetragonoptrus lineolatus | Cuvier | 1831 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Lined butterflyfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Lined butterflyfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.