How to Identify Vagabond Butterflyfish

To identify Vagabond Butterflyfish (Chaetodon vagabundus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is predominantly white to yellowish-white, with numerous diagonal dark brown to black lines running from the dorsal fin towards the anal fin. A prominent black bar runs vertically through the eye. The posterior part of the body, including the caudal peduncle and caudal fin, is typically yellow. The dorsal and anal fins have a submarginal black band and a narrow white or blue margin. A black spot is often present on the caudal peduncle.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Diagonal dark lines across the body, Black bar through the eye, Yellow caudal fin and posterior body, Black submarginal bands on dorsal and anal fins

Dorsal fin

13-14 spines, 21-23 soft rays; continuous, with a slight notch.

Tail fin

Truncate to slightly rounded, yellow with a submarginal black band.

Pectoral fin

15-16 rays; clear to slightly yellowish.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are typically white or yellowish with a dark leading edge.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the distinctive diagonal dark lines running across the white to yellowish body, originating from the dorsal fin and extending towards the anal fin.

2. 2

   Eye Bar

   A prominent black vertical bar passing through the eye is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Caudal Fin Coloration

   The bright yellow caudal fin (tail fin) with a submarginal black band is a consistent and easily recognizable feature.

4. 4

   Fin Margins

   Observe the black submarginal bands and narrow white or blue margins on the dorsal and anal fins.

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