Threadfin butterflyfish
Chaetodon auriga
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
| Diet | Worms, coral polyps, algae, crustaceans, invertebrates and mollusks |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 9 inches (23 cm) |
| Type | Fishes |
| Range | Indian and Central Pacific Oceans |
| Habitat | Coral reefs and over weedy and rubble covered sea beds |
Did you know?
- Bright colors and designs help butterflyfish disappear against the many colors of the reef.
- The threadfin butterflyfish changes color at night, developing splotches over parts of the body to mask its bright colors in the dark.
- When butterflyfish wear stripes and spots, predators can’t quite tell what shape and size it really is.
- Most butterflyfish have a dark stripe through their eye and an “eyespot” located towards their tail which helps confuse predators.