-EnglishName: Madagascar butterflyfish

  • Local Name : Madagaskara bibee
    -Size : Max. 14 cm
    -Family: CHAETODONTIDAE
    -Order : Perciformes
    -Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 13 spines and 20-21 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 16-17 rays. Pectoral fin with 15-16 rays. Body depth 1.4-1.8 in standard length. Snout subequal to eye. In large adults, the anal fin is distinctly angular.
    -Colour: Body pearly white. Black eye bar and a separate black spot on nape. Posterior area of yellow, and yellow patch on caudal fin.
    -Habitat and Biology: Omnivorous species found at depths of 10-40 m on the reef.
    -Distribution: Indian Ocean.
    -Remarks: Chaetodon madagaskariensis is very closely related to an almost identical species. C. mertensii Cuvier, of the Pacific Ocean. The former differs only by the detached black spot on nape.
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Biodiversity of Maldives
Biodiversity of Maldives