ANIMAL SPECIES:Vagabond Butterflyfish, Chaetodon vagabundus (Linnaeus, 1758)
The Vagabond Butterflyfish has a white body with two series of narrow dark lines set at right angles. A broad black band passes through the eye and yellow horizontal lines cross the interorbital region. A black band is present at the rear of the body and another through the caudal fin. The soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins are yellow. Juvenile Vagabond Butterflyfish resemble the adults, but have a black spot at the rear of the dorsal fin.
Identification
The Vagabond Butterflyfish has a white body with two series of narrow dark lines set at right angles. A broad black band passes through the eye and yellow horizontal lines cross the interorbital region. A black band is present at the rear of the body and another through the caudal fin. The soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins are yellow.
Juvenile Vagabond Butterflyfish resemble the adults, but have a black spot at the rear of the dorsal fin.
Size range
The species grows to 23 cm in length.Similar Species
The Vagabond Butterflyfish is closely related to the Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish, C.decussatus, which has dark pigmentation on the soft dorsal and anal fins. The Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish is not found in Australia.Distribution
This species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific, from East Africa, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to the Tuamoto Islands.
In Australia it is known from the north-western coast of Western Australia, and the northern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland to the southern coast of New South Wales.
Habitat
Vagabond Butterflyfish inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often in areas of high turbidity and freshwater influxes. This fish is usually seen in pairs or small groups.
It is found in depths from 1 m to 30 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
The Vagabond Butterflyfish feeds on coral polyps, anemones, polychaete worms and algae.
Classification
- Species:
- vagabundus
- 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.
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A Vagabond Butterflyfish at Steve's Bommie View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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