CHAETODONTIDAE


Chaetodon rafflesii, 12.5 cm SL
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Chaetodon rafflesii
Anonymous [Bennett], 1830
Latticed Butterflyfish

D XII-XIII, 21-23; A III, 18-20; P1 15; LLp 25-35; LR 30-37.

Snout projecting, pointed; predorsal contour straight, concave above nostrils. Lateral line incomplete. Caudal fin truncate to slightly rounded. Color: overall yellow with dark scale edges forming a lattice pattern; a spindle-shaped dark bar through middle of caudal fin, an a broad submarginal dark band on rear part of dorsal fin; a prominent black bar through eye, the upper part often edged and preceded by blue. Size: maximum length about 15 cm. Distribution: Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from Sri Lanka to Tuamotu Archipelago. Remarks: inhabits coral reefs at depths of 3-20 m. Forms pairs. Feeds on corals, crabs, worms and other invertebrates.