Chaetodon

genus of fish

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June 24, 2026

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The genus Chaetodon is part of the butterflyfish family, Chaetodontidae, which includes about 115 species of small, marine fish found primarily among tropical reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. These fish are known for their deep bodies, thin profiles, and bright coloration, often featuring prominent bands and spots that can confuse predators.1

Chaetodon itself is the type genus for this family and contains nearly 90 species. Butterflyfish are typically small, rarely exceeding 8 inches (20 cm) in length, and feed on crustaceans and coral polyps. They are closely related to angelfishes.12

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butterflyfish
…12 genera, with the genus Chaetodon alone accounting for almost 90 species. Among them are the foureye butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus), a common West Indian species with a white-ringed black ocellus near its tail; the spotfin butterflyfish (C. ocellatus), a western Atlantic species with yellow fins and a dark spot at…
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…12 genera, with the genus Chaetodon alone accounting for almost 90 species. Among them are the foureye butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus), a common West Indian species with a white-ringed black ocellus near its tail; the spotfin butterflyfish (C. ocellatus), a western Atlantic species with yellow fins and a dark spot at…
Read More