Chaetodon auripes Jordan & Snyder, 1901

Appearance

Chaetodon auripes (Jordan & Snyder, 1901) has a primarily yellow body. It features a wide black vertical band that runs through the eyes, with a slightly thinner white band positioned immediately behind this black band. Juvenile individuals have a black ocellus on the upper section of the soft-rayed part of the dorsal fin; this marking fades as the fish matures.

Fins and Size

The dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins of this species are all a vivid yellow. The dorsal fin contains 12 spines and 23 to 24 soft rays, while the anal fin contains 3 spines and 18 to 19 soft rays. This species can reach a maximum total length of 20 centimetres, or 7.9 inches.

Distribution

Chaetodon auripes is distributed in the western Pacific Ocean, ranging from southern Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, Izu Islands, and Ogasawara Islands, through southwestern Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and the southern coast of China, to southern Vietnam.

Habitat

This species lives at depths from 1 to 30 metres (3.3 to 98.4 ft), and is found on rocky reefs that host coral and algae. Juveniles are most commonly found in tidal pools and sheltered rocky areas in shallow water. Chaetodon auripes may gather in aggregations, but it is also frequently encountered as a solitary individual.

Tolerance and Depth

Unlike other butterflyfish, this species inhabits cooler waters, and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 °C (50 °F) in waters off Japan. It has been recorded at depths as great as 150 metres (490 ft).

Diet

Its diet consists of filamentous algae, worms, crustaceans, soft corals, stony corals, sea anemones, and other benthic invertebrates.