About Chaetodon austriacus Rüppell, 1836
Common Name and Maximum Length
Chaetodon austriacus, commonly known as the black-tailed butterflyfish, reaches a maximum length of 14 cm.
Adult Coloration
Adults have an orange base body covered with thin, curved black stripes; their anal fin and tail are solid black.
Juvenile Coloration
Juveniles have a whiter upper body and white bands on the tail.
Similar Related Species
Two related species, the melon butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifasciatus) and the oval butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus), share similar coloration with this species, but have less black coloration on their caudal and anal fins.
Native Distribution
This species is native to the Red Sea and southern Oman.
Non-Native Migrant Record
A single individual was recorded near Tel Aviv, Israel in 2011, and this individual is thought to be a migrant from the Red Sea.
Habitat and Depth Range
Black-tailed butterflyfish inhabit coral-rich areas between 0.5 and 20 meters deep, found on seaward reefs, in lagoons, or in bays.
Social Structure and Territoriality
Adults typically occur in pairs that patrol a set territory or range, while juveniles live among coral branches.
Diet
This species feeds by grazing on coral polyps and sea anemone tentacles.
