Mertens' Butterflyfish
Chaetodon mertensii
- Group: Butterflyfish
- Typical depth: 0–120 m
- Max size: 12.5 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
A reef butterflyfish that picks algae and small bottom invertebrates from deep lagoons and seaward slopes, often seen alone or in pairs. It pairs off to spawn and may hybridise with its close relative the yellowtail butterflyfish.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Acanthuriformes › Chaetodontidae › Chaetodon
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 273347.
FAQ
- How deep does the Mertens' Butterflyfish live?
- The Mertens' Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii) is typically found at 0–120 m.
- Is the Mertens' Butterflyfish dangerous to divers?
- The Mertens' Butterflyfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Mertens' Butterflyfish get?
- The Mertens' Butterflyfish grows to about 12.5 cm.