Latin name

Chaetodon ocellatus

Other names

Butterbun, Caribbean reef butterflyfish, common butterflyfish, coralfish, reef butterflyfish, school mistress, spotfin butterfly, two-spotted butterflyfish.

Identification

The fish has a flattened body with silvery white sides. The pectoral fins are transparent, the other fins are yellow. A dark band runs vertically across the eyes. Juveniles have the same stripe on the back of the body at the base of the tail.

Distribution

Widespread in the western Atlantic, from the Brazilian Abrolhos Islands south to Florida at depths of about 30 metres. Juveniles are often carried northwards by the Gulf Stream. They have been caught off New York, Massachusetts and even Nova Scotia. Each November, thousands of juveniles die in the icy waters off the Atlantic coast of North America.

Habitat

Adults live in pairs, juveniles live individually or in small groups. 

Size

Reaches a length of 16 to 20 centimetres.