Eightband Butterflyfish

Chaetodon octofasciatus

Eightband Butterflyfish (Chaetodon octofasciatus) is a reef-associated butterflyfish from the western Pacific, usually found on shallow coral reefs. It feeds mainly on coral polyps and small benthic invertebrates and is not a typical angling target.

Saltwater

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

Identification points

Bright yellow body with eight narrow dark vertical bars
Small butterflyfish with a pointed snout and a black eye stripe
Often shows a dark tail patch and crisp white-to-yellow fin margins

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, reef flats, lagoons, and outer reef slopes, especially areas with rich live coral cover.

Bait notes

Not a standard sport fish and rarely targeted; in aquaria or scientific capture, very small live or frozen coral-invertebrate substitutes may elicit feeding, but it is generally not baited for angling.

Behavior

Diurnal and highly site-attached, often seen singly or in pairs picking at coral heads and branching corals; it feeds on coral polyps and tiny reef invertebrates.

Caution

Reef species that relies on live coral; collection may be restricted or discouraged in some areas. Handle minimally because the fish is delicate and easily stressed, and local reef-protection rules may apply.

Fishing notes

If capture is necessary, use very small hand nets or gentle barrier methods around reefs; hook-and-line fishing is inappropriate and can severely injure delicate reef fish. Avoid disturbing coral habitat.