ANIMAL SPECIES:Ornate Butterflyfish, Chaetodon ornatissimus (Cuvier, 1831)
The Ornate Butterflyfish is easily recognised by its colour pattern. It usually has six oblique orange stripes on the body, and black and yellow bars on the head. Between the eyes is a greyish triangular mark. The tail has two black bars.
Identification
The Ornate Butterflyfish is easily recognised by its colour pattern. It usually has six oblique orange stripes on the body, and black and yellow bars on the head. Between the eyes is a greyish triangular mark. The tail has two black bars.
Size range
The species grows to 18 cm in length.Distribution
The Ornate Butterflyfish is found in tropical marine waters throughout the Indo-Pacific.
In Australia it is known from central to north-western Western Australia and the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
It feeds on coral polyps.
Classification
- Species:
- ornatissimus
- Genus:
- Chaetodon
- 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.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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.
An Ornate Butterflyfish at Tijou Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
An Ornate Butterflyfish at St Crispin's Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
what's on
28 Jun 08
Get up close to some of Australia's most deadly creatures.
Level 2, Surviving Australia Exhibition
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.