The Black-back Butterflyfish, Blackback Butterflyfish, Blackback Butterflyfish, Black-backed Butterflyfish, Blackbacked Butterflyfish, Black-backed Coralfish (Chaetodon melannotus) is a striking and popular reef fish recognized by its distinctive color pattern. This species is a captivating addition to any marine aquarium due to its vibrant colors and intriguing behavior.
Description & Characteristics
The Chaetodon melannotus boasts a striking black body with a prominent, bright yellow band that extends from its head to its tail. This band is broken only by a small black spot just behind its eye. The dorsal fin is edged with yellow, and the anal fin sports a yellow margin with a central black spot. This fish can grow up to 25.0 cm in length, making it a relatively large butterflyfish.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Black-back Butterflyfish, Blackback Butterflyfish, Blackback Butterflyfish, Black-backed Butterflyfish, Blackbacked Butterflyfish, Black-backed Coralfish (Chaetodon melannotus) is a common inhabitant of coral reefs and rocky slopes. These fish are typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa to the Pacific Ocean, including the Hawaiian Islands. They thrive in a depth range of 2.0 to 20.0 meters, making them common residents of the shallow reefs and reef slopes.
Taxonomy
The species Chaetodon melannotus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Chaetodontidae. The family Chaetodontidae encompasses a diverse group of fish commonly known as butterflyfish, which are characterized by their compressed bodies, vibrant coloration, and often striking patterns. The Chaetodon melannotus is a well-recognized member of this family and its distinctive coloration makes it a standout among its relatives.
Feeding
The Black-back Butterflyfish, Blackback Butterflyfish, Blackback Butterflyfish, Black-backed Butterflyfish, Blackbacked Butterflyfish, Black-backed Coralfish (Chaetodon melannotus) exhibits an omnivorous feeding habit. Its diet consists of a variety of food items, including brine shrimps, clam meat, coral polyps, flakes, frozen food (especially larger varieties), mysis, and nori-algae. The species’ corallivorous feeding habit plays a role in coral reef ecosystems, contributing to the overall health and balance of the reef environment.
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