Blackback butterflyfish
Chaetodon melannotus
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
| Diet | Soft and hard corals |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 7 inches (18 cm) |
| Type | Fishes |
| Range | Indian and West-Central Pacific Oceans |
| Habitat | Reef flats, lagoons, and sea-facing reefs |
Did you know?
- The blackback butterflyfish changes color when frightened or when swimming at night.
- Bright colors and designs help butterflyfish disappear against the many colors of the reef.
- Most butterflyfish have a dark stripe through their eye and an “eyespot” located towards their tail which helps confuse predators.