Thompson’s butterflyfish – Hemitaurichthys thompsoni

The Thompson Butterflyfish – Hemitaurichthys thompsoni is a captivating species of marine fish. Known for its vibrant colors and graceful movements, this butterflyfish is a popular addition to aquariums and a delight to behold in its natural habitat.

Description & Characteristics

The Thompson Butterflyfish is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 18.0 cm. This species is easily recognizable by its striking color pattern: a bright yellow body with a prominent black band extending from the eye to the tail. The body is adorned with numerous small, blue spots, further enhancing its visual appeal. The fins are translucent, often tinged with a light yellow hue.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Thompson Butterflyfish – Hemitaurichthys thompsoni is a common inhabitant of coral reefs and rocky areas. They prefer environments with a good amount of cover and a variety of food sources. This species can be found in depths ranging from 4.0 meters to 300.0 meters, making it adaptable to a wide range of marine environments. It is particularly prevalent in the Indo-Pacific region, often occurring in areas with substantial marine biodiversity.

Taxonomy

The Thompson Butterflyfish – Hemitaurichthys thompsoni belongs to the diverse and colorful family of Chaetodontidae, which includes numerous other butterflyfish species. The species is classified within the Order Acanthuriformes, which encompasses a wide variety of fish known for their spiny fins. The Thompson Butterflyfish falls under the Class Teleostei, encompassing a vast majority of ray-finned fish, further highlighting its place within a larger taxonomic framework.

Feeding

The Thompson Butterflyfish – Hemitaurichthys thompsoni is an omnivorous species with a diverse diet. In their natural environment, they primarily consume zooplankton, small invertebrates, and algae. This diet makes them adaptable to various food sources available in their habitat. In captivity, they readily accept a variety of commercially available foods, including brine shrimp nauplii, brine shrimps, frozen food (large sort), and mysis. Their feeding behavior can be quite entertaining, as they delicately pick at food items with their small mouths.