Fourspot Butterflyfish
Chaetodon quadrimaculatus
The Fourspot Butterflyfish is a reef-dwelling Indo-Pacific butterflyfish best known for the four dark spots on its body. It usually feeds on coral polyps and small benthic invertebrates, and it is more of an aquarium/reef species than a sporting fish.
Identification points
- Four distinct dark spots on the body, including one near the dorsal area and one on the rear half
- Yellow to pale body with a darker eye stripe and butterflyfish-shaped compressed oval profile
- Pointed snout and continuous dorsal fin typical of Chaetodon butterflyfishes
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs, rich reef slopes, and lagoon patch reefs, usually where branching and table corals are abundant; commonly seen in warm tropical clear water.
Bait notes
Not a target sport species. In captivity or observational settings it may take small meaty foods, coral substitutes, or finely chopped seafood; it is not typically baited by anglers.
Behavior
Diurnal and pair-oriented or loosely grouped; it picks at coral surfaces and reef rock for polyps and tiny invertebrates, staying close to structure and reacting quickly to disturbance.
Caution
Reef fish handling can cause stress or injury to delicate fins; local reef collection rules or protected-area restrictions may apply. No common human-consumption issue is notable because it is not a typical food fish.
Fishing notes
This species is generally not pursued by recreational anglers and should be left on reef structure; if encountered, use light release handling and avoid nets that damage its fins and scales.