Pi186 Chaetodon rafflesii (Latticed butterflyfish)

 Pi186                                            Chaetodon rafflesii (Latticed butterflyfish)

 

Phylum            : Chordata

Class                : Teleostei

Order               : Acanthuriformes

Family             : Chaetodontidae

Genus              : Chaetodon

Species             : Chaetodon rafflesii

 

Description:

            Dorsal spines (total): 12 - 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-23; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 18 - 20. Body color is yellow with cross-hatched pattern on the sides. A dark black spot is sometimes present under the spinous portion of the dorsal fin. A black bar runs across the eye. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins have a dark stripe the position of which varies with age. An uncommon species found in areas of rich coral growth of lagoon and protected reef flats and seaward reefs. Often in pairs. Feed on sea anemones, polychaetes, and octocorallian and scleractinian coral polyps.

 

IUCN Status: Least concern