Threadfin butterflyfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Threadfin butterflyfish |
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| C. a. setifer (Pemba, Tanzania) | |
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| C. a. auriga (Sharm el-Sheikh, Red Sea) | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chaetodon
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| Species: |
auriga
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| Synonyms | |
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The threadfin butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) is a beautiful and colorful fish that lives in the ocean. It's a type of butterflyfish, known for its bright patterns and unique features. These fish are part of a larger group called ray-finned fish, which means their fins are supported by bony rays.
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Where Does the Threadfin Butterflyfish Live?
The threadfin butterflyfish can be found in a very large area of the world's oceans. This area is called the Indo-Pacific region. It stretches from the Red Sea and eastern Africa all the way to the Hawaiian Islands.
You can also find them near Japan in the north and Lord Howe Island in the south. These fish live in shallow waters, usually between 1 and 35 meters (about 3 to 115 feet) deep. They like coral reefs and rocky areas where they can find food and shelter.
What Does the Threadfin Butterflyfish Look Like?
The threadfin butterflyfish can grow up to 23 centimeters (about 9 inches) long. Its body is mostly white with cool `chevron` markings on its sides. These look like V-shaped patterns pointing towards its tail.
It has a clear black spot near the back edge of its dorsal fin (the fin on its back). A strong black stripe also runs vertically through its eye. The back part of its dorsal fin has a long, thin trailing filament, which looks like a thread. Its belly has dark, slanted lines, and its fins are a bright yellow color.
Scientists sometimes recognize two slightly different types, called subspecies. One type, Chaetodon auriga auriga, lives in the Red Sea and does not have the black spot on its dorsal fin. The other type, Chaetodon auriga setifer, has the spot and lives in other parts of the Indo-Pacific.
How Scientists Group Threadfin Butterflyfish
The threadfin butterflyfish belongs to a large group of butterflyfish called Rabdophorus. Scientists think this group might even be big enough to be its own separate genus (a larger group of related species).
Within this group, the threadfin butterflyfish is closely related to other fish like the vagabond butterflyfish (C. vagabundus). It is also related to the Indian vagabond butterflyfish (C. decussatus). These related fish often share similar patterns, like the unique lines on their bodies.
See also
In Spanish: Pez mariposa auriga para niños
