Chevron Butterflyfish

Chaetodon trifascialis

The Chevron Butterflyfish is a coral reef butterflyfish from the Indo-Pacific, usually seen singly on reef slopes and rich coral habitats. It feeds mainly on coral polyps and small invertebrates, and is generally not considered a good food fish.

Saltwater

Chevron Butterflyfish reference image — Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Bright yellow body with numerous narrow chevron-like dark diagonal bars
Long, pointed snout typical of butterflyfish
Adult shows a strong dark eyestripe and pale tail area against the yellow body

Habitat

Coral-rich Indo-Pacific reefs, especially outer reef slopes, protected lagoons, and areas with abundant branching corals such as Acropora and other live coral growth.

Bait notes

Not a target species for bait fishing. In aquaria it is difficult to keep because of its coral-feeding diet; in the wild it is not normally taken on standard angling baits or lures.

Behavior

Typically solitary or in pairs, and strongly associated with live coral. It grazes on coral polyps and small benthic invertebrates, moving deliberately over the reef rather than schooling in open water.

Caution

Reef-dependent species; avoid collection in protected areas and check local ornamental fish rules. As a coral feeder, it is not generally used for consumption and is not a typical table fish.

Fishing notes

No practical recreational fishing methods are recommended; it is a reef-associated ornamental species and is best observed rather than pursued. Avoid capture on reefs and follow local protections where applicable.