Chaetodon flavirostris Günther, 1874
Black butterflyfish
Chaetodon flavirostris
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/B. Alenda

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 2 - 30 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Australia to Pitcairn.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-27; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 20-21. Overall color is blackish with broad rim of yellow on dorsal caudal and anal fins. The snout is yellow with white tips. A black bump is on the forehead.
Biology:  Found in coral rich to algae-covered rocky areas of lagoon and seaward reefs including estuarine areas. Usually paired (Ref. 9710). Omnivorous and feeds on algae, coral, and small benthic invertebrates. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205). Maintaining this species in captivity is difficult.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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