Chaetodon auriga is one of the common butterflyfishes found in the Maldives, and it is typically seen in pairs, occasionally accompanied by Chaetodon falcula.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 20 cm
color
White, but yellow posteriorly. A large black spot on soft portion of dorsal fin. A prominent black band through eye. Two series of grey slanting lines on body, meeting at right angles.
Frequently found in shallow, sheltered reefs, as well as in outer reefs down to depths of 30 meters, this species feeds on algae, polychaete worms, and coral polyps.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 13 spines and 23-25 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 19-21 rays, a pectoral fin with 14 or 15 rays, and a body depth of 1.5-1.8 times its standard length. Additionally, the fourth to sixth soft rays of adults are prolonged to form a filament.