Threadfin butterflyfish. This grouping together seems to give an advantage in this fashion. Add to Wishlist. 2. Allen, Gerald R. 1979. Most species have showy eye patch in the rear portion of the dorsal fin to deceive visually oriented predators. Description. Its natural habitat also extends from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands. These fish occupy depths from surface level to approximately 100 feet. It has a wide Indo-Pacific distribution. They are one of the most colorful and intricately patterned families of saltwater fish, and aesthetic beauty is one of the top reasons people keep fish.. They are found across a range of environments from coral reefs, rubble covered bottoms to rocky coastlines down in the Cape province in South Africa from depths of 1 to 35 meters. This species prefers to live in the rock and reef tank and likes to consume Mysis shrimps, crustaceans and small fish. They are quite frequently accidentally introduced to an aquarium with the addition of live rock. It is colorful and probably an ideal fish for beginners. They are popular aquarium fish and very durable. Choose from Threadfin Butterflyfish stock illustrations from iStock. Scientific Name Chaetodon auriga. Pyramid butterflyfish. The Threadfin Butterfly is a reef-associated fish and its does not migrate. They are found from from Mossel bay in South Africa, northwards up the African coast to the Red Sea and across the Indo Pacific area up to Japan in the north to Lord Howe island south of Australia. Threadfin butterflyfish have predominantly white faces and bodies, with yellow hindquarters. Body depth 1.5-1.8 in standard length. Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallon This makes them suitable for even the novice seawater aquarist. Natural Habitat. The natural habitat of Threadfin Rainbowfish is Indonesia, Northern Australia, and the islands of New Guinea. Multiples can be kept in larger aquariums if introduced simultaneously, preferably as juveniles. They slowly develop into  juveniles. Habitat: Provide with plenty of hiding places. Add to basket. They form monogamous pairs and keep the same mates although they will find a new mate if one dies. At night they darken their colours. They belong to the large subgenus Rabdophorus which some experts believe warrants distinction as a separate genus. The others continue feeding in the damsels territory. Your email address will not be published. which is highly territorial and chases any small fish that comes into its territory, the damsel will chase one of the shoal out the area. It has a dark tail spot and a dark bar across the face that includes the eye. http://australianmuseum.net.au/threadfin-butterflyfish-chaetodon-auriga-forsskal-1775, The Reef Guide: Southern Africa’s East and South Coasts Butterflyfish are part of the Chaetodontidae family which also includes Bannerfish and Coralfish.They are one of the most colorful and intricately patterned families of saltwater fish, and aesthetic beauty is one of the top reasons people keep fish.This small sized marine fish is mostly found on the coral reefs of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, in tropical and subtropical waters. Auriga Butterflyfish – Also known as Threadfin Butterflyfish, this fish has a peaceful temperament too and is generally shy in nature. A fine blue line edges the rear of the dorsal fin and the caudal fin is lined with brown. The thread grows longer as the fish ages. The eggs are spherical and buoyant and it is thought they hatch in 28 to 30 hours. Aug 24, 2012 - Saltwater fish guide for Threadfin Butterflyfish, Chaetodon auriga, Auriga Butterflyfish profile with facts, information, and pictures, fish care, habitat, diet and compatibility for reef and saltwater aquariums, Cross-stripe Butterfly, Whip Butterflyfish They are quite shy for butterflyfish and will require plenty of hiding places. This species makes a wonderful addition to fish-only tanks but is not suitable for marine reef aquariums. Threadfin butterflyfish are found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Good water circulation is important as well as high quality water maintenance. There is a black spot at the rear of the dorsal fin and adults have a broad vertical black band through the eye. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Although they swim in the open they always have a hole nearby to pop into and are quick to do so. It is often sold under the names Auriga Butterflyfish, and Cross-Stripe Butterflyfish. Hybrids have been reported between Chaetodon auriga and the saddleback butterfly fish Chaetodon ephippium. Threadfin butterflyfish are often seen in pairs the wild and as with all butterflyfish are hard to approach closely. IrisFotografie – (no longer online), Chaetodon setifer, Tetragonoptrus auriga, Pomacanthus filamentosus, Sarothrodus auriga, Rabdophorus linophora auriga, Linophora auriga, Anisochaetodon auriga, Chaetodon auriga setifier, Pomacentrus setifer, Tetragonoptrus setifer, Chaetodon sebanus, Agulhas Current, Atlantic Ocean, Banda Sea, Calamianes Islands, Celebes Sea, Coral Sea, Davao Gulf, East Central Australian Shelf, Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, Gulf of Aqaba, Hawaii Islands, Indian Ocean, Kimbe Bay, Kuroshio Current, Lagonoy Gulf, Lanuza Bay, Leyte Gulf, Lingayen Gulf, Liuqiu Island, Milne Bay, Moro Gulf, New Zealand Shelf, North Australian Shelf, Northeast Australian Shelf, Northwest Australian Shelf, Pacific Ocean, Palawan, Panay Gulf, Panguil Bay, Peng-hu Island, Polynesian Waters, Red Sea, San Miguel Bay, Sarangani Bay, Shark Bay, Sogod Bay, Somali Current, Spratly Islands, Sulu Sea, Tahiti Island, Tasman Sea, Tawi tawi Bay, Tubbataha Reefs, Verde Island Passage, West Central Australian Shelf, Yellow Sea, Yun-gan, Zuid Chinese Zee, Your email address will not be published. In exchange it will perform the service of ridding your live rock of aiptasia anemones. The Threadfin Butterflyfish can be recognised by its colouration and by the filament trailing from the soft dorsal fin of adults. Add to basket. This species prefers to live in the rock and reef tank and likes to consume Mysis shrimps, crustaceans and small fish. Butterfly fish (Chaetodontidae), are popular aquarium fish due to their attractive coloration and small size. The Klein's Butterflyfish Chaetodon kleinii was described by Bloch in 1790. Aquarium Systems, OH. The body is oval and white with dark lines running upwards away from the head and another series of lines running downwards towards the tail creating a chevron pattern. Chaetodon auriga, Adult, NSW, Australia, Photo: Ian Shaw . Markings, patterns and fin shape can vary greatly between species, but overall body shape, colouration and behaviour are usually similar across the family. They should play nicely with other, peaceful tank mates but will not tolerate other butterfly fish in the same tank. Dennis King and Valda Fraser, The butterflyfishes: success on the coral reef Their common name comes from the filament that hangs off the back of the dorsal fin in adult fish. Populations can be found throughout the Red Sea, as far north as Japan down the entire length of East Africa to as far south of Lord … Pectoral fin with 14 or 15 rays. Diet: The threadfin butterflyfish is an basically a carnivore Typical meaty foods such as brine shrimp, clams, fish meat etc that can be purchased from your local store should be provided. Add to basket. Falcula Butterflyfish – You will find this aggressive fish in the deep water of the ocean and its white body with yellow dorsal fin makes A series of thin yellow lines runs across the face between the eyes. Butterflyfish mostly range from 12 to 22 cm (4.7 to 8.7 in) in length. Once present they are notoriously hard to get rid of. This family is more commonly referred to as butterflyfish. This is by far one of the most exotic butterflyfish marketed by the aquarium trade. At night they darken their colours. Habitat: This captive fish was photographed at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC. Dried algae sheets, chopped broccoli and asparagus are good supplements. Its natural habitat also extends from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands. 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This white and grey patterning darkens to a grey or black on yellow on the upper part of its posterior. Anal fin with 3 spines and 19-21 rays. If one watches them feeding, they often feed in small groups often with other species of butterflyfish. Chaetodon auriga, Adult, Aceh, Indonesia, Photo: Ian Shaw. Butterflyfish Coloring and Bands Although some species are dull-colored, most wear intricate patterns with striking backgrounds of blue, red, orange, or yellow. Alan Sutton is an underwater photographer and writer at Seaunseen. This long tread-like extension is why they are called threadfins. Most butterfly species are classified in the semi-aggressive category. Most aquarists consider this species a pest. Mature adults have a small, yellow trailing filament on their dorsal fins. The threadfin butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins are bright yellow. OATA Guide to keeping Butterflyfish. They are however not reef safe and additionally it is advisable to only keep one in a tank unless one has a mated pair. Habitat: Distribution / Background. This is an omnivorous species. Chaetodon auriga, Adult, Aceh, Indonesia, Photo: Ian Shaw. // ]]>. In Australia, they like swampy areas. This species is native to the indo-Pacific. Home » Saltwater » Fish » Common names » Butterflyfishes » Chaetodon auriga – Threadfin Butterflyfish. They are found in the Red Sea and the coast of eastern Africa, off the coasts of Australia and New Guinea, east to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, as far north as southern Japan, … The fourth to sixth soft rays of adults prolonged to a filament. There is a dark spot on the soft dorsal fin and a black bar through the eye. Many butterflyfish are recommended for only expert level aquarists. This fish seldom breeds in captivity. Description. The species occurs in tropical waters of the Indo-west and Central Pacific. Threadfin butterflyfish are omnivores and feed on a wide variety of foods, ranging from hard and soft corals to worms, molluscs, sponges , microalgae and plankton. The largest species, the lined butterflyfish and the saddle butterflyfish, C. ephippium, grow to 30 cm (12 in). They are very hardy and peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish, but may become aggressive towards other Butterflies with a similar pattern or coloration in smaller tanks.They are also not reef safe since they will nip at and eat soft corals and stony … Their natural habitat are the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, the Pacific Ocean and the … Required fields are marked *, Looking for: Experienced aquarist who want to share knowledge, Chaetodon auriga – Threadfin Butterflyfish, Hemitaurichthys polylepis - Pyramid Butterflyfish, Forcipiger flavissimus - Longnose Butterfly Fish, Breeding Chaetodon auriga – Threadfin Butterflyfish, Be the first to review “Chaetodon auriga – Threadfin Butterflyfish”. … Threadfin Butterflyfish or Chaetodon auriga belong to the family Chaetodontidae which is comprised of 120 species in 10 different genera. Butterfly fish are marine fish, which means that they live in the salty water of the ocean. Scientific Name: Hawaiian Name: Common Name: Photo: TSN: Park Status: Abundance: Nativity: Chaetodon auriga: kikakapu: threadfin butterflyfish: 169564: Present in park The rear of the body and caudal peduncle are yellow. The barberfish is a tropical eastern Pacific butterflyfish that cleans other fishes of their parasites. They can be found in many places around the world, but prefer to live in warm, subtropical water. Threadfin butterflyfish are capable of handling much lower temperatures than most other butterflyfish. The common name references the brightly coloured and strikingly patterned bodies of many species, bearing shades of black, white, blue, red, orange, and yellow. The filament is formed by the fusing of the fifth and sixth filaments of the soft dorsal fin into a thread. Threadfin butterflyfish Add your observation in Fish Watcher. This species frequently has an eyespot on the back of its dorsal fin. 1. Tweet; Description: This is a captive saltwater fish. Butterflyfish are a large family, with over 100 species. Physically, the Copperband Butterflyfish is a very beautiful white with copper bands running vertically on the sides of the body. The threadfin butterflyfish is a common fish found throughout the Indian and west Pacific Oceans. The rear of the body and caudal peduncle are yellow. Distribution. They are calm, but they can aggressive to other butterflyfish in smaller tanks. Tropical Indo-Pacific. Tropical Indo-Pacific. This species is native to the indo-Pacific. This species is native to the indo-Pacific. Threadfins grow can grow up to 9 inches in length as adults and require a minimum tank size of 110 gallons. Add to Wishlist. Classification Order: Perciformes, Family: Chaetodontidae. No need to register, buy now! A prominent black band crosses the eyes vertically on both sides. The Threadfin butterflyfish (Chaetadon Auriga) is also known as the Auriga butterflyfish, Threadfin coralfish, Cross-stripe butterfly and Whip butterflyfish. This family is more commonly referred to as butterflyfish. A varied diet with this particular fish is very important to retain it’s health. 203 pp. There is a dark spot on the rear of the soft dorsal fin and a black bar runs through the eye. Copperband Butterfly Large £ 77.17. The Auriga is one of the easier butterflyfish to keep. Threadfin butterflyfish Threadfin butterflyfish The rear dorsal fins of these fish stick out like spines. They have a very wide distribution. Add to Wishlist. This can be seen in the image below. They will readily accept most prepared foods. The female swells with eggs and spawning takes place by scattering into the water table with the male fertilizing the eggs. Burgess, Warren E. 1978. Order: Perciformes This is by far one of the most exotic butterflyfish marketed by the aquarium trade. The Reticulated Butterflyfish (C. reticulatus) is a near match of C. collare in appearance, but has a less brown hue and light blue instead of red in … Subgenus: Rabdophorus The Threadfin Butterfly, Chaetodon auriga, has a bright pearly white with black striping and a bright yellow backside. Phylum: Chordata The Threadfin butterflyfish in the Red sea lack the eye spot on the rear of the dorsal fin and are sometimes called Chaetodon auriga auriga. Populations can be found throughout the Red Sea, as far north as Japan down the entire length of East Africa to as far south of Lord … This phase makes it extremely difficult to breed them in aquariums. They are found from from Mossel bay in South Africa, northwards up the African coast to the Red Sea and across the Indo Pacific area up to Japan in the north to Lord Howe island south of Australia. Class: Actinopterygii Copperband Butterfly £ 54.23. Distribution. It can be found in several different types of habitats, including corals reefs (inner and outer reef slopes), inshore waters and rubble covered bottoms with prolific plant and algae growth. It has a white, slightly elongated snout with a black vertical bar from its eyes to the bottom of its head. This species is native to the indo-Pacific. Chaetodon auriga (Image credit: David Harasti) Common to most butterflyfish, this fish has a pointed mouth and the body is elongated on the dorsal edge forming a rounded rectangle-like shape. Habitat: Provide with plenty of hiding places. This sub genus shares a characteristic pattern of two areas of ascending and descending oblique lines. Add to Wishlist. If your aquarium suffers from aiptasia infestation you should consider purchasing a threadfin. They will however display aggressive behavior toward conspefics (members of their own species) and fish of similar color pattern. They will readily accept common variety food fare. Threadfin Butterflyfish, Threadfin Butterflyfish. Auriga Butterflyfish – Also known as Threadfin Butterflyfish, this fish has a peaceful temperament too and is generally shy in nature. When they move into the territory, of for example the jeweled damsel fish, Plectroglyphidodon dickii, which is highly territorial and chases any small fish that comes into its territory, the damsel will chase one of the shoal out the area. This can be seen in the image above. In its natural habitat its diet includes; sessile invertebraes, most large polyp stony coral polyps, feather dusters and fanworms and algae. Butterfly and Angelfishes of the World. The Threadfin Butterflyfish has a filament trailing from the soft dorsal fin of adults. Threadfin butterflyfish have predominantly white faces and bodies, with yellow hindquarters. Chaetodon auriga, Juvenile, Narooma, NSW, Photo: Andrew Green . 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