Saddle butterflyfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saddle butterflyfish |
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| Genus: |
Chaetodon
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| Species: |
ephippium
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The saddle butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium) is a beautiful fish that lives in the ocean. It is a type of butterflyfish, known for its bright colors and patterns. You can find this fish in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
Its home stretches from Sri Lanka and the Cocos-Keeling Islands all the way to the Hawaiian Islands, Marquesas, and Tuamotu islands. It also lives north to southern Japan and south to Australia.
Contents
What Does the Saddle Butterflyfish Look Like?
The saddle butterflyfish is quite a big fish for its kind. It can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long! This makes it one of the largest butterflyfish in its group.
Its body is mostly yellowish-grey. It has a very noticeable large black spot on its back. This spot has a wide white stripe just below it. The lower sides of its body have wavy blue lines. Its throat and the back edges of its fins are bright yellow. Adult saddle butterflyfish also have a long, thin part that extends from the top of their back fin.
Where Does the Saddle Butterflyfish Live and What Does It Eat?
The saddle butterflyfish lives in coral reefs. You can find them in waters that are from 0 to 30 meters (about 0 to 100 feet) deep.
These fish enjoy a varied diet. They eat thin algae that grows on rocks and corals. They also munch on small creatures without backbones, called invertebrates. Sometimes, they eat coral polyps and even fish eggs.
How Was the Saddle Butterflyfish Discovered?
The saddle butterflyfish was first officially described in 1831. A French scientist named Georges Cuvier (1769-1832) gave it its scientific name. He was an expert in studying the bodies of animals.
The first place where this fish was found and studied was Bora Bora. This island is part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The saddle butterflyfish belongs to a larger group of butterflyfish called Rabdophorus. It seems to be a unique fish within this group. The Dotted Butterflyfish (C. semeion) might be its closest relative.
See also
In Spanish: Chaetodon ephippium para niños
