How to Identify Ornate Butterflyfish

To identify Ornate Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ornatissimus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is predominantly white to pale yellow, adorned with numerous prominent, narrow, diagonal black or dark brown stripes that run from the dorsal fin towards the anal fin. The head features a broad, vertical black bar passing through the eye, bordered by yellow. The snout is yellow, and the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are bright yellow, often with a submarginal black line on the caudal fin.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Six to seven prominent, narrow, diagonal black or dark brown stripes on a white to pale yellow body., Broad black bar through the eye., Yellow snout., Bright yellow dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 12-13 spines and 23-25 soft rays. The spiny and soft-rayed portions are continuous.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly rounded caudal fin, bright yellow, often with a submarginal black line.

Pectoral fin

Transparent to yellowish pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are yellow.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the distinctive pattern of six to seven narrow, diagonal black or dark brown stripes on a white to pale yellow body. This is the most reliable identifier.

2. 2

   Head Markings

   Observe the broad black bar running vertically through the eye and the yellow snout.

3. 3

   Fin Coloration

   Note the bright yellow dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, often with a thin black submarginal line on the caudal fin.

4. 4

   Behavior

   Often seen in pairs, actively picking at coral polyps, which is indicative of its specialized diet.

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