Explore
Marine Life

Meyer’s butterflyfish

Oirongu bibee
Chaetodon meyeri

The Chaetodon meyeri butterflyfish, which is easily distinguishable by its unique pattern, cannot be mistaken for any other Maldivian butterflyfish. However, the similarly patterned C. ornatissimus, which is very rare in the Maldives, has gold bands instead of black. As it is a coralivore, it is difficult to maintain in an aquarium.

Details

§ 01
size
Max. 20 cm
color
Ground colour pale grey edged with yellow. Distinctive pattern of black curved lines on body.
order
Perciformes
family
Chaetodontidae
image url
https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/chaetodon-meyeri.png
habitat and biology
Typically observed in pairs, this species inhabits the abundant coral habitats at depths ranging from 3-25 m. Young individuals stay close to the protection of branching corals, and feed on coral polyps.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 12 spines and 23-24 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 18-20 rays, and a pectoral fin with 15-16 rays, with a body depth of 1.3-1.6 times its standard length.
Old search API