Latin name

Chaetodon trifascialis

Other name

Chevroned butterflyfish, triangulate butterflyfish, V-lined butterflyfish

Identification

Adults have an elongated body. Because of the peculiar age-dependent coloration and the elongated silhouette, this species has been placed in the monotypic subgenera Megaprotodon. Its closest living relatives are individuals of the subgenera Discochaetodon (e.g. Chaetodon octofasciatus) and Tetrachaetodon (e.g. Chaetodon speculum). These and possibly some other subgenera will be assigned to the genus Megaprotodon when the genus Chaetodon is split.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3 - 5; Anal soft rays: 13 - 15.

Fish colouring

Adult Chevron Butterflyfish have a white body with narrow chevron-shaped markings. Juveniles usually have a yellow tail and a broad black stripe running from the back of the dorsal fin to the back of the anal fin. The pattern on the tail and the coloration of the back of the body change greatly as they grow, and in adults the tail becomes completely black with a thin yellow outline, and the back of the body is indistinguishable in color from the front.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the Society Islands.

Habitat

Tropical marine benthopelagic species. Occurs at depths from 2 to 30 meters. 

Size

This species can grow up to 18 centimeters in length. 

Behavior

It is a territorial species that lives in shallow marine lagoons near reefs. Adults swim either alone or in pairs (especially during the breeding season), while juveniles hide among the corals. 

Food and feeding habits

Chevron butterflyfish live in shallow marine lagoons near reefs that contain Acropora corals, polyps, and mucilage on which they feed.

Reproduction

Fish of this species are oviparous. They form pairs during reproduction.

Fishing

Chaetodon trifascialis are commercially important in fisheries. They are sold to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.