Latin name

Chaetodon rafflesii

Other names

Latticed butterfly-fish, latticed coralfish, raffles' coralfish, lattice butterflyfish.

Identification

Muzzle length is 2.1-2.6 inches long. Body depth 1.4-1.8 inches wide.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin has 12-13 spines and 21-23 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 18-20 soft rays. 

Fish colouring

A mostly yellow fish with dark edge scales that form a dark lattice pattern on the flanks. It has a vertical black stripe across the eyes and a blue patch on the forehead. The soft translucent part of the dorsal fin has a dark underwater stripe, while a broad black stripe runs down the centre of the caudal fin. Sometimes there is a black spot under the spiny part of the dorsal fin and juveniles have a dark spot on the soft translucent part of the dorsal fin.  

Distribution

It inhabits the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where it is found from Sri Lanka to the Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef, and from Palau (Belau) to the eastern Caroline Islands in Micronesia.

Habitat

It inhabits areas of rich coral vegetation in lagoons, sheltered reef banks and seaward reefs at depths of 1-20 metres (3.3-65.6 feet).  

Size

This species can reach a maximum total length of 18 centimetres (7.1 inches), although 15 centimetres (5.9 inches) is more common.

Behavior

Usually seen in pairs.

Food and feeding habits

It feeds on marine actinia, polychaetes and octocoral and scleractinian coral polyps.

Reproduction

Laying eggs. Distinctive mating. 

Fishing

It has no commercial value.

Relationship with a person

Harmless to humans. Suitable for aquarium culture.