How to Identify Saddle Butterflyfish

To identify Saddle Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is primarily white to yellowish-white anteriorly, transitioning to a vibrant yellow posteriorly. A large, prominent black 'saddle' mark extends from the dorsal fin down to the mid-body, often bordered by a thin white or light blue line. A black bar runs through the eye. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are typically bright yellow, with the dorsal fin often having a black submarginal band and a white margin. Juveniles have a distinct ocellus (eyespot) on the posterior dorsal fin, which fades with age.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large black saddle-like blotch on the posterior dorsal half of the body, Bright yellow posterior body and fins, Black bar through the eye, Elongated dorsal fin filament in adults

Dorsal fin

12-14 spines, 21-24 soft rays; the posterior soft rays are elongated in adults, forming a filament.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly rounded, bright yellow.

Pectoral fin

Typically 15-17 rays, clear to yellowish.

Distinctive fins

The elongated dorsal fin filament is a key feature in mature individuals.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Coloration

   Look for the distinct white to yellowish-white anterior body contrasting with the bright yellow posterior body and fins.

2. 2

   Black Saddle Mark

   The most defining feature is the large, prominent black blotch resembling a saddle on the upper posterior half of the body, often outlined in white or light blue.

3. 3

   Eye Bar

   A vertical black bar passing through the eye is consistently present.

4. 4

   Dorsal Fin Filament

   In adult specimens, observe the elongated, filamentous extension of the posterior soft rays of the dorsal fin.

5. 5

   Juvenile Ocellus

   Juveniles can be identified by a prominent black ocellus (eyespot) on the soft dorsal fin, which diminishes or disappears with age.

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