Latin name

Chaetodon tinkeri

Other names

Tinker's butterflyfish

Identification

Small fishes with a very compressed body, high on the sides, a small terminal retractable mouth, armed with small bristle-like teeth.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin has 13-14 spines and 18-22 soft rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 16-18 soft rays. 

Fish colouring

The coloration is diagonally divided into black and white. The fish has golden dorsal and caudal fins and a golden vertical stripe across the eyes. It is distinguished from C. flavocoronatus by the absence of a broad yellow stripe on the back of the head.

Distribution

Inhabit the Central Pacific, Hawaii, Johnston Atoll, and the Marshall Islands in the tropical Pacific.

Habitat

Benthopelagic species. Prefers steep slopes, near black corals at depths of 27-135 m (89-443 ft).

Size

This species reaches a maximum length of 15 cm (5.9 in).

Behavior

Swim alone or in pairs and sometimes in small groups.

Food and feeding habits

Feeds on a variety of planktonic and benthic organisms.

Reproduction

Laying eggs. Mating during reproduction. 

Fishing

Fished for aquaristics.

Relationship with a person

These fish are very popular in aquariums.