Chaetodon citrinellus Cuvier, 1831

Body Coloration

Chaetodon citrinellus has a pale yellow body covered in numerous small dark spots.

Head and Fin Markings

It has a black bar that extends both above and below its eye, and the anal fin has a black margin.

Recorded Size

The largest recorded specimen of this species measured 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) in total length.

Primary Habitat

This species is commonly found in shallow, exposed reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs, most often in relatively open areas that contain scattered corals.

Depth Range

It can occasionally be found at depths down to 36 meters (118 feet).

Diet Composition

Its diet consists of small worms, small benthic invertebrates, coral polyps, and filamentous algae.

Adult Social Behavior

Adult Chaetodon citrinellus typically swim in pairs, and these pairs form during the breeding season.

Juvenile Social Behavior

Juveniles are more often found in small groups, and they commonly mix with other juvenile butterflyfish of similar size, especially juveniles of the Sunburst Butterflyfish, Chaetodon kleinii.

Reproductive Mode

This species is oviparous.