ANIMAL SPECIES:Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish, Chaetodon pelewensis (Kner, 1868)
The Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish typically inhabits offshore reefs with abundant coral cover, feeding on coral polyps and benthic invertebrates.
This fish is often seen in pairs. Sometimes one member of the pair is the Spot-Banded Butterflyfish, Chaetodon punctatofasciatus. The Spot-Banded Butterflyfish differs by having vertical bands of black spots rather than diagonal.
Identification
The Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish has a yellow body with diagonal bands of black spots that become solid lines at the rear of the body. An orange bar with a black margin passes through the eye and the caudal fin base is orange.
Size range
The species grows to 12.5 cm in length.Distribution
The species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Western Pacific, from New Guinea, south to Australia and east to the Tuamoto Islands.
In Australia it is known from the northern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland south to the central New South Wales coast and Lord Howe Island.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It typically inhabits offshore reefs with abundant coral cover.
The Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish is found in depths from 2 m to 30 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
It feeds on coral polyps and benthic invertebrates.
Other behaviours and adaptations
This fish is often seen in pairs. Sometimes one member of the pair is the Spot-Banded Butterflyfish, Chaetodon punctatofasciatus. The Spot-Banded Butterflyfish differs by having vertical bands of black spots rather than diagonal.
Classification
- Species:
- pelewensis
- Genus:
- Chaetodon
- Family:
- Chaetodontidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 220.
- Allen, G.R., Steene, R. & M. Allen. 1998. A Guide to Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes. Odyssey Publishing/Tropical Reef Research. Pp. 250.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 251.
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Lateral view of a Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish at Cormorant Pass View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish at Raine Island View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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