Threadfin butterflyfish
Chaetodon auriga
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Class:Ray-finned fishes (Lat. Actinopterygii)
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Order:Perch-likes (Lat. Perciformes)
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Family:Butterflyfishes (Lat. Chaetodontidae)
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Maximum size:30 cm TL
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Habitat:Reef-associated; depth range 1–60 m.
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Climate:Tropical; 30°N–20°S
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Distribution:Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe and Rapa islands.
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Biology:May be seen in a variety of habitats ranging from rich coral reefs to weedy and rubble covered areas. Benthopelagic. Maybe found singly, in pairs, and in aggregations that roam over large distances in search of food. Feed mainly by tearing pieces from polychaetes, sea anemones, coral polyps, and algae. Oviparous. Form pairs during breeding.