How to Identify Chevron Butterflyfish

To identify Chevron Butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifascialis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is predominantly white to pale yellow, adorned with numerous dark, narrow, V-shaped or chevron-like bands running obliquely from the dorsal fin towards the ventral side. A prominent black bar runs vertically through the eye. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are typically yellow, often with a submarginal black line and a clear outer margin. The caudal fin base may have a black spot or bar.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Numerous dark, chevron-shaped bands on the body., Prominent black bar through the eye., Yellow dorsal, anal, and caudal fins., Strongly compressed body., Small, protractile mouth.

Dorsal fin

13-14 spines, 20-22 soft rays; continuous and relatively high.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly rounded.

Pectoral fin

15-16 rays; relatively small.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are small and located ventrally. Anal fin has 3 spines and 16-18 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the distinctive dark, V-shaped or chevron-like bands covering the white to pale yellow body. This pattern is unique among butterflyfishes.

2. 2

   Eye Bar

   A prominent black vertical bar passing through the eye is a consistent feature.

3. 3

   Fin Coloration

   The bright yellow coloration of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, often with a black submarginal line, helps distinguish it.

4. 4

   Habitat Association

   Its almost exclusive presence among live Acropora corals is a strong indicator for identification in the wild.

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