Blackback Butterflyfish
Chaetodon melannotus
- Group: Butterflyfish
- Typical depth: 2–20 m
- Max size: 25 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
Yellow above and pale below with a dark back, this butterflyfish moves through coral rich reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs in pairs or small groups. It nips at soft and stony coral polyps, and partners stay together through breeding.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Acanthuriformes › Chaetodontidae › Chaetodon
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 218743.
FAQ
- How deep does the Blackback Butterflyfish live?
- The Blackback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus) is typically found at 2–20 m.
- Is the Blackback Butterflyfish dangerous to divers?
- The Blackback Butterflyfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Blackback Butterflyfish get?
- The Blackback Butterflyfish grows to about 25 cm.