Marine Life

Indian butterflyfish

Kirulhiya bibee

Chaetodon mitratus

Chaetodon mitratus is one of the most beautiful butterflyfishes, and although it is likely moderately common in the Maldives, it is rarely seen due to its deep-dwelling habit. The best places for divers to observe this species are dropoffs on outer reef slopes.

Details

§ 01

size: Max. 14 cm
color: Yellow with two broad diagonal black bands, and a black eye bar.
order: Perciformes
family: Chaetodontidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/chaetodon-mitratus.png
habitat and biology: Typically located in depths greater than 30 m.
distinctive characters: The dorsal fin has 13 spines and 18-20 rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and 16 rays, and the pectoral fin has 15 rays. The body depth is 1.6 times the standard length, and the shape is triangular with the third or fourth dorsal spine being the longest.