The Moon Coralfish, Yellow-dotted Butterflyfish, Yellow-dotted Butterflyfish, Yellowdotted Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon selene, is a captivating species of marine fish renowned for its striking appearance and intriguing feeding habits. Its vibrant coloration and graceful movements make it a popular sight for divers and underwater enthusiasts alike.
Description & Characteristics
Chaetodon selene is distinguished by its captivating coloration, featuring a predominantly white body adorned with prominent yellow dots scattered across its scales. Its dorsal fin is adorned with a black margin, while the anal fin displays a striking black and yellow banding pattern. The fish’s body shape is characteristic of the butterflyfish family, exhibiting a laterally compressed and somewhat oval form. They can reach a maximum size of 16.0 cm, making them a medium-sized representative of their genus.
Habitat and Occurrence
Chaetodon selene inhabits a variety of marine environments, primarily residing in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. These zones extend from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This broad range of habitats highlights their adaptability and capacity to thrive in a variety of conditions. These fish are often observed in neritic zones, which are relatively shallow waters over continental shelves.
Taxonomy
The species Chaetodon selene belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Acanthuriformes, and Family: Chaetodontidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of fish, characterized by their spiny dorsal fins and often brightly colored bodies.
Feeding
Chaetodon selene exhibits a specialized feeding strategy, primarily consuming brine shrimps and coral polyps. This makes them a corallivorous species, a term that denotes their dependence on coral as a food source. Their diet also includes frozen food, especially larger varieties, Mysis, and zooplankton. This diverse range of food items highlights their ability to adapt to different food sources within their habitat.
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