ANIMAL SPECIES:Latticed Butterflyfish, Chaetodon rafflesii (Bennett, 1830)
The Latticed Butterflyfish has a yellow body with black scale margins that create a lattice effect. A black bar passes through the eye and there is a submarginal black band on the rear of the dorsal fin. The caudal fin is yellow with a black bar.
Identification
The Latticed Butterflyfish has a yellow body with black scale margins that create a lattice effect. A black bar passes through the eye and there is a submarginal black band on the rear of the dorsal fin. The caudal fin is yellow with a black bar.
Size range
The species grows to 15 cm in length.Distribution
It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific, from Sri Lanka, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to the Tuamoto Islands.
In Australia it is known from off north-western Western Australia and the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Habitat
Latticed Butterflyfish typically inhabit sheltered inshore and outer reefs, and lagoons with abundant coral. It is found in depths from 1 m to 15 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The Latticed Butterflyfish feeds on coral polyps, sea anemones and polychaetes.
Other behaviours and adaptations
This fish is often seen in pairs or as solitary individuals.
Classification
- Species:
- rafflesii
- 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.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 251.
Would you like to add a comment?
Sign up to add comments and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
Would you like to add a tag?
Sign up to add tags and find out more about the other benefits you can enjoy.
what's on
Design like an Egyptian: Jewellery Design Competition
12 Aug 09 – 14 Dec 09
Attention: Visual Art and Design and Technology Teachers: The Australian Museum presents Design Like an Egyptian: Jewellery Design Competition. Win cash prizes!
Off-site
Support us
Help us continue to provide quality research, education, community programs and exhibitions.
Online Shop
Featuring a selection of products relating to the collections.
Australian Museum Members
Join today to come to the Museum for free and enjoy many other benefits.
AMBS
Australian Museum Business Services - Ecological, archaeological and heritage consulting.
Museum as a Venue
We have many unique venues ideal for dinner, cocktails, weddings and conferences.