Orange Face Larvatus Butterflyfish

Orange Face Larvatus Butterflyfish

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Chaetodon larvatus

NOTE: These fish have SPECIFIC FEEDING REQUIREMENTS. 

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

Chaetodon larvatus, commonly known as the hooded butterflyfish or orangeface butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, specifically a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. This striking fish is found in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and it has been recorded twice recently in the eastern Mediterranean Sea off the coasts of Israel and Syria. Let’s dive into more details about this fascinating creature:

• Description: The hooded butterflyfish grows to a maximum size of 12 cm (4.7 inches) in total length. Its body is a beautiful powder blue color adorned with a pattern of narrow, white chevron-shaped bars. The head and front of the body are intensely colored in red-orange, creating a striking contrast. The dorsal fin and caudal fin are both black.

• Ecology and Behavior: These butterflyfish are typically found in seaward and lagoon coral reefs. They often swim in pairs and are territorial. Their preferred diet consists of the polyps of tubular Acropora corals. Interestingly, despite their coral-centric diet, they have been observed in the Mediterranean, where coral growth is limited. This adaptability suggests they may be able to adjust their diet in different environments.

• Phylogeny: The hooded butterflyfish is a far western sister species of the triangle butterflyfish (C. triangulum) found in the Indian Ocean, as well as the C. baronessa, which inhabits the Indo-Pacific. Together, these species form the subgenus Gonochaetodon. While some researchers propose splitting the genus Chaetodon, the exact relationships within this group are still not well known .

This vibrant fish adds a splash of color to the underwater world, and its unique features make it a captivating sight for divers and marine enthusiasts alike.