Gunther's Butterflyfish, Chaetodon guentheri Ahl, 1923

Scientific name: Chaetodon guentheri
Gunther's Butterflyfish, Chaetodon guentheri Click to enlarge image
A Gunther's Butterflyfish at a depth of 10 m, the Pipeline, Nelson Bay, New South Wales, 19 August 2012. Image: Matt Dowse
© Matt Dowse

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Chaetodon
    Species
    guentheri
    Family
    Chaetodontidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 14 cm in length.

Introduction

Gunther's Butterflyfish is mostly white to pale yellow with small dark spots that form irregular lines. In Australia it is recorded from southern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

Identification

Gunther's Butterflyfish is mostly white to pale yellow with small dark spots that form irregular lines. The rear part of the body, soft dorsal fin and anal fin are yellow. A black bar passes through the eye.

Habitat

It is found on rocky and coral reefs. Juveniles are usually seen at depths between 10 m and 30 m, whereas adults are found at depths from 20 m to at least 50 m.

Distribution

Gunther's Butterflyfish is found in tropical and temperate marine waters throughout the Western Pacific. In Australia it is recorded from southern 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.

References

  1. Allen, G.R., Steene, R. & M. Allen. 1998. A Guide to Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes. Odyssey Publishing/Tropical Reef Research. Pp. 250.
  2. Edgar, G.J. 1997. Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. Reed Books. Pp. 544.
  3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  4. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  6. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  7. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.