Chaetodon auriga Forsskål, 1775
Threadfin butterflyfish, 23cm

Common on shallow lagoon and seaward reefs, this species is usually paired but sometimes forms groups. We have watched a small reef about 2 to 3m in diameter isolated on a sand spit host a population of at least 30 of these fish for more than a year.

The tiny juvenile specimen below was hiding next to the mantle of the clam Hippopus hippopus.

A slightly larger juvenile is starting to develop the lines on its sides..

In a few spots, this species forms small schools.

The look-alike in the lower front, slightly to the right of middle, in the photo below is Chaetodon vagabundus.

Created 15 October 2010
Updated 13 February 2016

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