Meyer's Butterflyfish
Chaetodon meyeri
Meyer's Butterflyfish (Chaetodon meyeri) is a reef butterflyfish of the Indo-West Pacific, usually seen in pairs or small groups over rich coral slopes. It feeds mainly on coral polyps and other benthic invertebrates and is closely tied to live reef habitat.
Identification points
- White to pale body with a bold dark diagonal mask through the eye
- Several narrow vertical dark bars across the flanks and yellowish tones on the body and fins
- Long, pointed butterflyfish snout and rounded dorsal/anal fin profile
Habitat
Coral-rich outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and lagoon pinnacles on clear tropical marine reefs, usually from shallow water to moderate depths where branching and plate corals are abundant.
Bait notes
Not a target angling species and is rarely, if ever, taken on hook and line. In aquarium collection contexts it is associated with live coral prey, not bait fishing; avoid targeting it on reefs.
Behavior
A diurnal, reef-associated butterflyfish that forages by picking coral polyps and small invertebrates from the reef surface. It is often seen in pairs and can be shy, retreating quickly into coral cover when approached.
Caution
Do not target or handle on reefs; this species depends on live coral habitat and may be subject to local reef-fish protections or aquarium-collection rules. Like many reef fish, it should not be considered a food fish.
Fishing notes
No practical sport-fishing methods apply; it is a reef ornamental species rather than a gamefish. If encountered, use low-impact reef observation and release handling only, and avoid any contact with live coral.