Chevron butterflyfish Chaetodon trifascialis
Category
- Fringing Reef
Description
The Chaetodon trifascialis, of the order of Perciformes and family of Chaetodontidae is commonly known as the Acropora butterfly, Chevron butterflyfish, Chevroned butterflyfish, Rightangle butterflyfish, Triangulate butterflyfish, V-lined butterflyfish. This species possesses black chevron shaped markings on its sides, a pale rimmed black streak through the eye, a dark caudal fin that has a large yellow submarginal band and yellow dorsal and anal fins[1]. It has a concave dorsal head profile and a total of 13 to 15 dorsal spines, 14 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 3 to 5 anal spines and 13 to 15 anal soft rays[2]. It can reach a maximum of 18 cm in length.
Habitat and ecology
This species is present across the Indo Western and Central regions of the Pacific Ocean; from the Red Sea to Hawaiian and Society Islands. It is found on rocky or coral covered reefs in lagoons and on outer slopes. It is often seen near drop offs and steep slopes. It is solely corallivore and it’s diet consists of Acropora spp., Stylophora pistillata, and Pocillopora eydouxi. Adults usually form pairs during breeding.
Conservation and management
According to the IUCN Red list, this species is categorized as being ‘Near Threatened’. The population trend is decreasing. It is dependent on corals which have undergone massive bleaching over the past decades. No conservation measures are in place for this species. However, it is present in many MPAs[1].
Did you know?
This species only feeds on corals; it has a strong preference for Acropora hyacinthus.
