Ornate butterflyfish
📖 Overview
Adults occur in clear waters and coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs commonly in seaward reefs . Benthopelagic . Juveniles are solitary, living among branching corals, while adults are almost always in pairs and are home-ranging. They feed exclusively on coral tissue . Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12 - 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 28; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 20 - 23. Body is white with orange to orange-brown oblique bands on the sides. Two broad yellow-edged black bars are on the head; one running across the eye and another on the snout . Snout length 2.6-3.2 in HL. Body depth 1.3-1.6 in SL .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Ornate butterflyfish adults are predominately found in pairs that occupy exclusive territories including Clearwater lagoons and seaward reefs rich in coral growth (size range ~100-1400m2). On the other hand, juvenile Chaetodon ornatissimus live in solitary, tend to be shy, and hide in the arms of branching corals for protection. Once juveniles reach breeding age, they form pairs. It is uncommon to find adult Chaetodon ornatissimus without a mate. Pairs also establish a "home range" where they are likely always to be found.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing . Monogamous mating is observed as obligate, genetic and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 0 - 36 m . Tropical; 30°N - 30°S, 77°E - 124°W north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe and Rapa Islands; throughout Micronesia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaetodon lydiae | Curtiss | 1938 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon ornatissimus kaupi | Ahl | 1923 | Synonym |
| Chaetodon ornatus | Gray | 1831 | Synonym |
| Citharoedus ornatissimus | Cuvier | 1831 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Ornate butterflyfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 13 records indexed .
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