Chaetodon ephippium Cuvier, 1831
Saddle butterflyfish
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/B. Alenda

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Sri Lanka (Ref. 10361) and Cocos-Keeling Islands to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals and New South Wales, Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-25; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 20-23. Description: Overall color is yellowish grey with a large black spot bordered below by a broad white band on the back, and wavy blue lines on the lower sides. Adults have a filament extending posteriorly from the upper part of the soft portion of the dorsal fin (Ref. 1602). Snout length 2.2-2.6 in HL. Body depth 1.6-1.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occur in lagoons and seaward reefs to a depth of 30 m, prefer coral-rich and clear water areas (Ref. 205). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Encountered singly, in pairs or small groups (adults often in pairs; juveniles solitary and inshore). Feed on filamentous algae, small invertebrates, coral polyps, and fish eggs. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.