Spotfin Butterflyfish
Spotfin Butterflyfish, Juvenile
| Name: | Spotfin Butterflyfish |
| Scientific Name: | Chaetodon ocellatus |
| Family: | Butterflyfishes |
| Taxonomic: | Chaetodontidae |
| ID Group: | Large Oval Fishes |
| Size: | 3 - 6 in. |
| Depth Range: | On the reef (10 – 60 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen sometimes |
The Spotfin Butterflyfish has a silver-white body with a distinct black spot at the back of its dorsal fin. A vertical black bar runs through its eye, and its anal and dorsal fins are mostly yellow. The tail is white with a thin yellow margin. Juveniles have a translucent tail, and the distinct black spot at the back is a black bar.
This Butterflyfish is usually seen in pairs and is a bit cautious. They are territorial and will defend their space from others. They eat small invertebrates such as sea anemones, tube worms, and coral polyps. Spawning happens in pairs at dusk, and the eggs float in the water until they hatch into tiny larvae.