The species Chaetodon citrinellus is known to be aggressive, often erecting its dorsal spines and facing downwards in a defensive posture when approached by other fish or divers.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 12 cm
color
Pale yellow with small spots of variable colour on each scale and a black border on anal fin. A prominent black band through the eyes.
Frequently encountered in shallow, exposed reef flats and seaward reefs with limited coral growth. Usually observed in pairs. Their diet consists of coral polyps, benthic invertebrates, and algae.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 14 spines and 20-22 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 16 or 17 rays, and a pectoral fin with 13 or 14 rays, with a body depth of 1.7-1.9 times its standard length.