Reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 45 m (Ref. 9710)
Climate / Range
Tropical; 30°N - 18°S
Indo-Pacific: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Line Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals and the northern Great Barrier Reef; throughout Micronesia. Replaced by Chaetodon guttatissimus in the Indian Ocean (Ref. 37816). Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions
Short description
Dorsalspines
(total): 13 - 14;
Dorsalsoft rays
(total): 22 - 25;
Analspines: 3;
Analsoft rays: 17 - 18. Overall color is brownish yellow with vertical rows of spots forming bands on the upper portions of the sides. A black-edged orange bar runs across the eye. The posterior edge of the caudal fin is transparent. Caudal peduncle is bright orange.
Common in coral rich areas and clear waters of lagoon and seaward reefs. Sometimes found on outer subtidal reef flats (Ref. 1602). Juveniles secretive (Ref. 48636). Feed on filamentous algae, corals, and benthic invertebrates. Often in pairs during breeding (Ref. 205), monogamous (Ref. 52884). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Occasionally hybridize with C. pelewensis in the southern part of its range (Ref. 9710).
