How to Identify Reticulated Butterflyfish

To identify Reticulated Butterflyfish (Chaetodon reticulatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is predominantly dark brown to black, covered with a fine, pale reticulated (net-like) pattern that gives the fish its common name. The posterior part of the body, including the caudal peduncle and caudal fin, is bright yellow. A prominent black bar runs vertically through the eye. The dorsal and anal fins are edged in white or pale blue.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Fine, pale reticulated pattern over a dark body., Bright yellow caudal peduncle and caudal fin., Black vertical bar through the eye., White or pale blue margins on dorsal and anal fins.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 12-13 spines and 23-26 soft rays. The spiny and soft-rayed portions are continuous.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate, bright yellow.

Pectoral fin

Transparent to yellowish, relatively small.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 19-21 soft rays, also edged in white or pale blue.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the distinctive dark body with a fine, pale, net-like (reticulated) pattern covering most of the body.

2. 2

   Caudal Fin Color

   The bright yellow caudal peduncle and caudal fin are a key identifier.

3. 3

   Eye Bar

   A prominent black vertical bar passing through the eye is characteristic.

4. 4

   Fin Edges

   White or pale blue margins on the dorsal and anal fins help distinguish it.

Explore Reticulated Butterflyfish