How to Identify Oval Butterflyfish

To identify Oval Butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifasciatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is predominantly white to pale yellow, adorned with numerous thin, dark, horizontal lines that run along the flanks. A prominent black bar runs vertically through the eye. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are typically yellow to orange, often with a distinct red or orange band near the margin of the caudal fin. A black spot or ocellus may be present on the caudal peduncle in some individuals or populations.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Oval-shaped, laterally compressed body, Numerous thin, dark horizontal lines on flanks, Black bar through the eye, Yellow to orange dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, Red or orange band on the caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 13-14 spines and 20-22 soft rays.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin, typically yellow to orange with a red or orange submarginal band.

Pectoral fin

Transparent to yellowish, relatively small.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 17-19 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small and yellowish.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the distinctive pattern of numerous thin, dark horizontal lines across a pale body, combined with a black eye bar.

2. 2

   Fin Coloration

   The yellow to orange coloration of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, especially the red/orange band on the caudal fin, is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Habitat Association

   Its strong association with live coral, particularly branching corals, can help distinguish it from other butterflyfish species that may prefer different habitats or diets.

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