Spotfin butterflyfish
📖 Overview
Inhabit shallow, coral reefs with clear water . Develop dusky bands at night. Generally common . Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 21; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 15 - 17. Body is white with a black bar running across the head through the eye. In juveniles, a second black bar runs from the base of the soft portion of the dorsal fin to the base of the anal fin. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are either yellow or transparent . A narrow yellow bar from gill opening to pectoral base .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spotfin butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Spotfin butterflyfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Form pairs during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 30 m . Tropical; 45°N - 8°N, 99°W - 58°W north as Massachusetts, USA during summer months.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Spotfin 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 | 18.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 120 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Spotfin butterflyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 72 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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