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Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish

Regular price $229.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $229.99 USD
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Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Chaetodon semilarvatus

Overview
Reef Compatible: WITH CAUTION
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Docile
Origin: Africa/Red Sea

Chaetodon semilarvatus, commonly known as the blue-cheeked butterflyfish, is a striking marine fish found in the northwestern Indian Ocean. Let’s dive into some fascinating details about this beautiful creature:

  1. Appearance:

    • The blue-cheeked butterflyfish boasts a bright yellow body adorned with thin vertical red lines.
    • Unlike most related species, it lacks an eye bar and instead has a greyish patch behind its eyes.
    • Its dorsal, anal, pelvic, and caudal fins are also yellow.
    • While it can reach a maximum total length of 23 centimeters (9.1 inches), a more typical size is around 15 centimeters (5.9 inches).
  2. Habitat and Behavior:

    • These butterflyfish thrive in areas with rich coral growth, often found near the bottom.
    • They are frequently seen in pairs or small shoals.
    • Interestingly, blue-cheeked butterflyfish are one of the few fish species that form long-term mates.
    • Their diet includes hard corals and benthic invertebrates.
    • Occasionally, they hover in a stationary position beneath ledges of plate corals (genus Acropora).
  3. Systematics and Etymology:

    • The scientific name Chaetodon semilarvatus was first described by French anatomist Georges Cuvier in 1831.
    • The genus name Chaetodon combines the Greek words for “hair” (khaite) and “tooth” (odous), referring to the bristle-shaped teeth.
    • Blue-cheeked butterflyfish belongs to the subgenus Rabdophorus, which might warrant recognition as a distinct genus.
    • Although it lacks the typical eyestripe of Chaetodon, it shares the tell-tale blue vertical lines with related species like the blackback butterflyfish and the spot-naped butterflyfish.

These vibrant fish add a splash of color to the coral reefs they inhabit, making them a delightful sight for divers and underwater enthusiasts. 🐠🌊

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