Banded Butterflyfish

Chaetodon striatus

The Banded Butterflyfish is a small reef butterflyfish with bold vertical black bands on a pale body. It is associated with coral reefs in warm coastal waters and feeds mainly on small benthic invertebrates and coral-associated prey.

Saltwater

Banded Butterflyfish reference image — Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

White to pale yellow body with several bold, dark vertical bands
Distinctive dark eye bar through the face
Small, laterally compressed butterflyfish shape with a pointed snout

Habitat

Shallow tropical coral reefs, reef flats, lagoons, and rocky reef margins, typically close to structure where it can pick among corals and reef crevices.

Bait notes

Not a standard angling target. Where collecting is legal, small live or frozen marine foods such as shrimp, tiny crustaceans, and coral-reef invertebrate analogs are more relevant than conventional gamefish bait; aquarium capture is usually the context rather than sport fishing.

Behavior

Often seen in pairs or small groups, moving deliberately through reef structure while picking at small invertebrates, polyps, and algae-associated material. It is diurnal and closely tied to live reef habitat.

Caution

Reef habitat is fragile, and collection may be restricted or prohibited in some areas. Do not assume it is a food fish; small reef butterflyfish are generally not valued for consumption and should be released if caught incidentally.

Fishing notes

This species is best observed, not targeted. If encountered while reef fishing, use very light tackle and avoid damage to coral; many localities restrict collection or capture of butterflyfishes, so check regulations before attempting to take one.