Spot-tail butterflyfish
📖 Overview
Most commonly found in reef channels and outer slopes . Occur in coral rich areas of reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs. Juveniles inshore. Adults usually seen in pair . Feed on soft coral polyps (e.g. Litophyton viridis and species of the genera Sarcophyton, Nephthia, and Clavularia) . Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 20; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 17 - 18. : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spot-tail butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Form pairs during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 50 m . Tropical; 19°N - 12°S, 105°E - 163°E Central Pacific: Malaysia to New Guinea, north to the Philippines; Palau (Belau) in Micronesia.
🌿 Ecology
soft coral polyps (e
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Spot-tail 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 | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 126 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Spot-tail butterflyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Spot-tail Butterfly Fish · Spot-tail Coralfish · Spottail Butterflyfish · Tail-spot Butterflyfish · Spot-tail Butterflyfish |
| 🏳️Catalan | Peix papallona ocel·lat |
| 🌍CES | klipka skvrnoocasá |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Plethalet fanefisk |
| 🇩🇪German | Schwanzfleck-Falterfisch |
| 🇫🇷French | Poisson-papillon à point caudal |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce farfalla coda ocellata |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Peixe-borboleta-de-cauda-ocelada |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Pez Mariposa de Cola Manchada |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Spot-tail butterflyfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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