Oval-spot Butterflyfish

Chaetodon speculum

Oval-spot Butterflyfish (Chaetodon speculum) is a reef-associated butterflyfish of Indo-Pacific coral and rubble habitats. It is usually seen in pairs or small groups and feeds by picking tiny benthic invertebrates from the reef.

Saltwater

Oval-spot Butterflyfish reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Tall, laterally compressed butterflyfish with a pale body and one large oval black blotch centered on the upper side
Yellow to orange facial area with a narrow dark eye stripe typical of Chaetodon butterflyfishes
Dorsal and anal fins extend smoothly along the body, giving a rounded, disk-like profile

Habitat

Coral reefs, reef slopes, lagoons, and adjacent rubble zones, usually from shallow water to moderate depths where corals and rich benthic growth provide foraging.

Bait notes

Not a targeted sport fish and of little angling interest. If taken incidentally, small shrimp, marine worms, or tiny baitfish pieces may draw strikes, but it is better left alone.

Behavior

Day-active and methodical, it cruises reef structure and picks at small invertebrates, coral polyps, worms, and crustaceans; often forms pairs and stays close to cover.

Caution

Reef fish may carry ciguatera risk depending on local conditions; avoid consuming from known ciguatera areas. Delicate reef species should be released carefully and may be subject to local collection restrictions.

Fishing notes

Rarely targeted; if encountered while reef fishing, use very small hooks and light tackle around reef edges. Handle minimally and release quickly to reduce stress.