About Chaetodon marleyi Regan, 1921
Scientific Name and Primary Body Markings
The doublesash butterflyfish, Chaetodon marleyi Regan, 1921, has a silvery-white body marked with three broad yellowish-brown vertical bands. An additional yellowish-brown band runs through its eyes, and its caudal peduncle is the same yellowish-brown color.
Fin Coloration
Its caudal fin has a yellow band, while the dorsal and anal fins are entirely yellow.
Fin Ray and Spine Count
The dorsal fin of this species has 11 spines and 23 to 24 soft rays, and the anal fin has 3 spines and 18 to 19 soft rays.
Maximum Length
The doublesash butterflyfish reaches a maximum total length of 20 centimetres (7.9 in).
Geographic Range
This species is found off the coast of Southern Africa, ranging from Delagoa Bay in Mozambique to Lambert's Bay on the Atlantic coast of South Africa's Western Cape Province.
Habitat
Doublesash butterflyfish live on rock and coral reefs, and also inhabit estuaries.
Depth Range
They can be found at depths of up to 120 metres (390 ft).
Spawning Reproduction
This is an oviparous species that forms pairs to spawn.
Diet
It is omnivorous, feeding on macroalgae and benthic invertebrates including polychaetes, crustaceans, hydroids, and ascidians.
