Animal Species:Dusky Butterflyfish, Chaetodon flavirostris Günther, 1874

The Dusky Butterflyfish can be recognised by its colouration.  The species occurs in shallow tropical waters of much of the South-western Pacific.

A Dusky Butterflyfish at Fly Point

A Dusky Butterflyfish at Fly Point
David and Leanne Atkinson © David and Leanne Atkinson

Identification

The Dusky Butterflyfish can be recognised by the yellow area on its snout, the dark band below the eye and dark body colour.

Size range

The Dusky Butterflyfish grows to 21 cm in length.

Distribution

The species occurs from much of the South-western Pacific. In Australia it is known from Queensland to southern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Chaetodon flavirostris

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Dusky Butterflyfish specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Other behaviours and adaptations

Adults are usually seen in pairs, but juveniles tend to be solitary.

Classification

Species:
flavirostris
Genus:
Chaetodon
Family:
Chaetodontidae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R., Steene, R. & M. Allen. 1998. A Guide to Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes. Odyssey Publishing/Tropical Reef Research. Pp. 250.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  4. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fishes, ichthyology, Dusky Butterflyfish, Chaetodon flavirostris, Chaetodontidae, black, grey, white, yellow, brown, normal fish, round, 10 cm - 30 cm, striped or bands, marine, adult, yellow snout, dark band, short tail,