Oval-spot Butterflyfish

Chaetodon speculum

Oval-spot Butterflyfish (Chaetodon speculum) is a reef-associated butterflyfish of Indo-Pacific coral and rubble habitats. It is usually seen in pairs or small groups and feeds by picking tiny benthic invertebrates from the reef.

nước mặn

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

Điểm nhận dạng

Tall, laterally compressed butterflyfish with a pale body and one large oval black blotch centered on the upper side
Yellow to orange facial area with a narrow dark eye stripe typical of Chaetodon butterflyfishes
Dorsal and anal fins extend smoothly along the body, giving a rounded, disk-like profile

Môi trường sống

Coral reefs, reef slopes, lagoons, and adjacent rubble zones, usually from shallow water to moderate depths where corals and rich benthic growth provide foraging.

Ghi chú mồi

Not a targeted sport fish and of little angling interest. If taken incidentally, small shrimp, marine worms, or tiny baitfish pieces may draw strikes, but it is better left alone.

Hành vi

Day-active and methodical, it cruises reef structure and picks at small invertebrates, coral polyps, worms, and crustaceans; often forms pairs and stays close to cover.

Thận trọng

Reef fish may carry ciguatera risk depending on local conditions; avoid consuming from known ciguatera areas. Delicate reef species should be released carefully and may be subject to local collection restrictions.

Ghi chú câu cá

Rarely targeted; if encountered while reef fishing, use very small hooks and light tackle around reef edges. Handle minimally and release quickly to reduce stress.