This is one of the more common butterflyfish at Kwajalein, particularly on the upper seaward reefs. They can also be found on lagoon reefs and pinnacles. We usually see these paired, although sometimes they form small groups. They are primarily eaters of live coral polyps. It forms hybrids with the much less common Chaetodon meyeri.
Those below are pecking at Acropora coral polyps.
This looks like a tiny juvenile Chaetodon reticulatus. It was drawn to a light at night shining from the steep seaward slope out into the open water and photographed by Jay Lord. It appears to be just settlling out of the plankton and developing its colors.
Created 15 October 2010
Updated 30 May 2019