Blacklip Butterflyfish
Chaetodon kleinii
Blacklip Butterflyfish (Chaetodon kleinii) is a reef-associated butterflyfish found across the Indo-Pacific, often around coral and rocky reefs, lagoons, and seaward slopes. It feeds on small benthic invertebrates, especially coral polyps, worms, and crustaceans.
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Identification points
- Yellow to yellow-brown body with a dark blackish vertical band running through the eye
- Distinct dark rear margin on the dorsal fin and a pale to whitish lower body
- Typical butterflyfish profile with a small mouth and long continuous dorsal fin
Habitat
Tropical Indo-Pacific coral and rocky reefs, lagoon drop-offs, outer reef slopes, and areas with rich coral growth; commonly from shallow water to around 30 m.
Bait notes
Not a standard target species and is generally not sought by anglers. If collected or observed in aquarium contexts, it responds to small marine foods such as chopped shrimp, mysis, and finely diced shellfish rather than large baits or lures.
Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, picking steadily along the reef face. It forages in the water column and over hard substrate, taking small invertebrates and coral-associated prey from crevices and branching corals.
Caution
Reef fish from tropical Indo-Pacific waters may carry ciguatera risk in some localities; consumption is generally uncommon. Do not target in protected reef areas, and minimize handling because butterflyfish are delicate and stressed easily.
Fishing notes
Best handled as a reef-observation or bycatch species rather than a game fish. Avoid heavy pressure on coral habitats; if incidentally caught on small reef gear, use the lightest tackle possible and release promptly.