Speckled Butterflyfish

Chaetodon citrinellus

The Speckled Butterflyfish is a small Indo-Pacific coral-reef butterflyfish with a yellow body and dense dark spotting. It usually feeds on coral polyps and small benthic invertebrates, and is most often seen in shallow reef habitat.

nước mặn

Speckled Butterflyfish reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Nguồn: Wikimedia Commons.

Điểm nhận dạng

Bright yellow body covered in many small dark speckles
Dark eye stripe across the face
Usually a small, deep-bodied butterflyfish with a pale/white rear margin and fin edging

Môi trường sống

Shallow coral and rocky reefs, lagoon patch reefs, and outer reef slopes, typically where live coral and mixed hard substrate are abundant; usually in clear tropical saltwater.

Ghi chú mồi

Not a common target species. Small reef baits such as tiny pieces of shrimp, clam, squid, or coral-reef fish flesh may draw strikes; very small micro-jigs or tiny soft plastics can also work.

Hành vi

Diurnal and reef-associated, often seen singly or in pairs. It picks at coral surfaces and reef growth for small invertebrates and coral polyps, and may be territorial around feeding areas.

Thận trọng

Marine ornamental/reef species; verify local rules before collecting or retaining. Avoid contact with coral to prevent cuts and reef damage; do not consume if local regulations prohibit harvest.

Ghi chú câu cá

Best pursued with light tackle around shallow reefs and coral heads. Present baits naturally and keep presentations small and subtle; avoid heavy gear that snags coral. Handle minimally and release quickly if not kept.