Diagonal butterflyfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diagonal butterflyfish |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chaetodon
|
| Species: |
fasciatus
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The diagonal butterflyfish (Chaetodon fasciatus) is a colorful fish found in the ocean. It is also known as the Red Sea raccoon butterflyfish. This name comes from where it lives, mainly in the Red Sea. It is a type of butterflyfish, which are known for their bright colors and patterns.
Contents
What Does the Diagonal Butterflyfish Look Like?
This fish has a bright yellow body. It has 11 stripes that go across its body like diagonals. On its head, there's a black stripe that goes right through its eye. It also has a white stripe on its forehead. All its fins – the ones on its back, bottom, and tail – are yellow too. The diagonal butterflyfish can grow up to about 22 centimeters (around 8.7 inches) long.
Where Do Diagonal Butterflyfish Live?
The diagonal butterflyfish lives in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean. You can find it in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Its home range stretches south all the way to Kenya.
What is the Habitat and Behavior of This Fish?
Diagonal butterflyfish usually live near coral reefs. They spend their time swimming over and around the corals. These fish love to eat corals. They have also been seen eating tiny, see-through sea creatures. These include jellyfish (Scyphozoa) and comb jellies (Ctenophora).
Who Discovered the Diagonal Butterflyfish?
The diagonal butterflyfish was first officially described in 1775. A Swedish-speaking Finnish scientist named Peter Forsskål (1732-1763) gave it its scientific name. He found this fish near a place called Jeddah. This fish is related to other butterflyfish. For example, it is quite similar to the common raccoon butterflyfish (C. lunula). Other relatives include the black butterflyfish (C. flavirostris) and the Philippine butterflyfish (C. adiergastos). Even though their colors can be different, these related fish are usually large and have an oval shape. Many of them also have stripes going up their sides.
