Dusky Butterflyfish, Chaetodon flavirostris Günther, 1874

Scientific name: Chaetodon flavirostris
Dusky Butterflyfish Click to enlarge image
A Dusky Butterflyfish at a depth of 12 m, Fly Point, Port Stephens, June 2003. Image: David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Chaetodon
    Species
    flavirostris
    Family
    Chaetodontidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The Dusky Butterflyfish grows to 21 cm in length.

Introduction

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

Identification

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

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.

Other behaviours and adaptations

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

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.