Saddle butterflyfish

Biology

The saddle butterflyfish owes its name to the large dark spot delimited by a wide white band that it exhibits near the dorsal fin, on its greyish-yellow body. It occurs in lagoons and reefs up to 30 metres in depth, and prefers coral-rich areas. Juveniles are solitary and, during the breeding season, they find a mate which they keep for several years.

Conservation

Habitat degradation is the main threat to this species.

Curiosities

Adults are distinguished from juveniles by a filament extending from the rear part of the dorsal fin.