Animal Species:Dusky Butterflyfish, Chaetodon flavirostris Günther, 1874
The Dusky Butterflyfish can be recognised by its colouration. The species occurs in shallow tropical waters of much of the South-western Pacific.
A Dusky Butterflyfish at Fly Point
David and Leanne Atkinson
© David and Leanne Atkinson
Identification
The Dusky Butterflyfish can be recognised by the yellow area on its snout, the dark band below the eye and dark body colour.
Size range
The Dusky Butterflyfish grows to 21 cm in length.
Distribution
The species occurs from much of the South-western Pacific. In Australia it is known from Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Dusky Butterflyfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Other behaviours and adaptations
Adults are usually seen in pairs, but juveniles tend to be solitary.
Classification
- Species:
- flavirostris
- Genus:
- Chaetodon
- Family:
- Chaetodontidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R., Steene, R. & M. Allen. 1998. A Guide to Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes. Odyssey Publishing/Tropical Reef Research. Pp. 250.
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
Mark McGrouther
, Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:
Tags fishes, ichthyology, Dusky Butterflyfish, Chaetodon flavirostris, Chaetodontidae,
