ANIMAL SPECIES:Lord Howe Butterflyfish, Amphichaetodon howensis (Waite, 1903)
The Lord Howe Butterflyfish has a pointed snout and five black bands on the sides. It occurs in subtropical marine waters along the eastern coastline of Australia and as its standard name suggests, from Lord Howe Island.
Identification
The Lord Howe Butterflyfish can be recognised by its colouration. It is yellow above fading to silver on the sides and below. There are five black bands on the sides and another along the top of the snout. The pelvic fins are white anteriorly and black posteriorly.
This species has a moderately elongate snout and long dorsal and anal spines.
Size range
It grows to 18 cm in length.Distribution
The Lord Howe Butterflyfish occurs in warm temperate waters in Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia it is known from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales. It is also recorded from Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Lord Howe Butterflyfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
The species occurs on rocky reefs with coral cover. It is known from depths between 10 m and 50 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The Lord Howe Butterflyfish eats small invertebrates.
Other behaviours and adaptations
Adults are usually seen in pairs. Juveniles are often solitary.
Classification
- Species:
- howensis
- Genus:
- Amphichaetodon
- Family:
- Chaetodontidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R., Steene, R. & M. Allen. 1998. A Guide to Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes. Odyssey Publishing/Tropical Reef Research. Pp. 250.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2002. Butterflyfishes. Bannerfishes and their relatives. A Comprehensive Guide to Chaetodontidae & Microcanthidae. TMC Publishing. Pp. 208.
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.
Lord Howe Butterflyfish at Tathra Wharf View full size
Sascha Schulz
© Sascha Schulz
A Lord Howe Butterflyfish at Broughton Island View full size
David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson
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.
2 comments
Mark McGrouther
8.02 AM, 22 February 2010
Thanks Sascha, That's really interesting information! Mark.
Sascha Schulz
10.02 AM, 19 February 2010
In reference to my image above:
The fish pictured was one of a pair. The two stuck close together while feeding on what appeared to be bryazoans encrusting the pylons of the wharf. They also picked at the surface of Ecklonia kelp, which again, appeared to be feeding behaviour.
If the pair was seperated during their movements by more than a metre or so, one of them would quickly dash back to find its partner.
Judging by their size, they were juveniles.
Report misuse