Chaetodon trifascialis is an obligate coralivore and is not recommended as an aquarium fish; it was previously recorded as Megaprotodon strigangulus (Gmelin) in the Catalogue of Fishes of the Maldives, Vol. 1, page 48.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 17 cm
color
Overall white with narrow chevron markings on sides. Basal two-thirds of caudal fin blackish in adults; yellow in juveniles. A black bar through eyes.
Typically inhabiting the edges of reefs and upper slopes in depths ranging from 2-20 m, this species is known for its aggressive defense of its small territory of table coral, which it uses as a food source.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 12-14 spines and 14-16 rays, an anal fin with 4-5 spines and 13-15 rays, and a pectoral fin with 15 rays. Its body is elongated and has a depth of 1.7-2.2 inches in standard length, and the dorsal and anal fins are angular.