The Pacific population of Chaetodon trifasciatus, sometimes recognized as a distinct subspecies (C. trifasciatus lunulatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1825), is difficult to maintain in aquariums due to its exclusive diet of coral polyps.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 14 cm
color
Bluish brown above, paler below. About 15 bluish stripes on sides. A black band on head running through eye. Another black band across mid caudal fin bordered by 2 yellow stripes. Snout blackish. Pectoral and pelvic fins pale yellow.
This species is typically found in shallow, well-sheltered coral reef habitats, reaching depths of up to 20 meters. They are usually observed in pairs and feed solely on coral polyps.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 13-14 spines and 20-22 rays, an anal fin with 3 spines and 18-20 rays, and a pectoral fin with 13-15 (usually 14) rays. It has a body depth of 1.5-1.8 in standard length and a characteristic oval shape, with the dorsal and anal fins being low.