Horseshoe butterflyfish (Chaetodon pictus), first described by Forsskål, 1775 is a fish in the family Chaetodontidae (order Acanthuriformes). It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Chaetodontidae kept in the hobby.
This species is similar to Chaetodon vagabundus except for the following: that the black band running up the rear of the body merges with the black dorsal fin margin and eye band, thus forming a horseshoe mark; the black tail fin bands are replaced by reddish brown bands; and the soft dorsal and anal fins of adults are more pointed .: short and / or deep.
Behavioural data for Horseshoe butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.
Marine; reef-associated. Tropical Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Oman and Gulf of Aden.
The following diseases are known to affect Horseshoe butterflyfish.
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