Chaetodon capistratus Linnaeus, 1758
Foureye butterflyfish
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Massachusetts, USA and Bermuda to West Indies and northern South America. Also Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, and Antilles (Ref. 26938).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 13-13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 16-17. Large black spot surrounded by a white ring on body below rear of dorsal fin. Narrow, dark, diagonal lines that meet at mid-side, forming series of forward-pointing chevrons (Ref. 26938). Upper profile of head steep and slightly concave due to protruding snout; light gray, shading to pale yellowish on sides; a black bar on head; pelvic fins yellow (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Inhabit shallow reefs and generally occurs singly or in pairs. Feed mainly on zoantharians, polychaete worms, gorgonians and tunicates. Easily approached (Ref. 9710). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning
Country info:   
 


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