blackburn's butterflyfish

Scientific name Chaetodon blackburnii
Descriptor Desjardins
Year of description 1836
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Chaetodontidae
Genus Chaetodon
Chaetodon blackburnii Chaetodon blackburnii

Introduction

The blackburn's butterflyfish is a tropical fish native to the eastern coast of Africa (Indian Ocean). It is found along the coasts of Kenya, Reunion, Madagascar, and Mauritius.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    10 cm
  • Maximum size
    13 cm
  • Shape
    Circular
  • Average size
    10 cm
  • Maximum size
    13 cm
  • Shape
    Circular

How to recognize the blackburn's butterflyfish ?

As an adult, the blackburn's butterflyfish is bicolored with a mostly yellow and black pattern, while juveniles are beige and black. This species has a characteristic black stripe that runs across the body at eye level.

Sexual dimorphism

Dimorphism not specified.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living as a couple or in a group
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The blackburn's butterflyfish is usually found in pairs. Like other Chaetodon species, this fish tends to swim energetically.

In general, it is an independent fish that does not pay much attention to other species. However, it may show some signs of aggression towards its own kind.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond en eau libre

The blackburn's butterflyfish is an oviparous fish that spawns in open water.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    23 - 27 °C
  • Depth
    1 - 30 m
  • Flow
    Medium

Biotope presentation

The blackburn's butterflyfish is most commonly found at depths less than 30m. However, it is not impossible to find this fish at other depths. Like most of its relatives, it lives near coral-rich reefs, usually on outer slopes.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Patrick Chartrer

Patrick Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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