Chaetodon semilarvatus Cuvier, 1831

Scientific Nomenclature

The bluecheek butterflyfish, Chaetodon semilarvatus Cuvier, 1831, has a bright yellow body marked with thin vertical red lines.

Head Markings

It has a greyish patch behind its eyes, while most closely related species have an eye bar instead.

Fin Coloration

All of its dorsal, anal, pelvic and caudal fins are yellow.

Size

This is a relatively large butterflyfish species that can reach a maximum total length of 23 centimetres (9.1 in), though a length of 15 centimetres (5.9 in) is more typical.

Geographic Range

This species is found in the north-western Indian Ocean, specifically in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, ranging as far east as the coast of Oman.

Mating Behavior

Bluecheek butterflyfish are among the few fish species that form long-term mating pairs.

Diet

In their natural habitat, they feed on hard corals and benthic invertebrates.

Habitat and Grouping

They are a common species that inhabits areas with abundant coral growth, and are most often observed either in pairs or in small shoals.

Resting Behavior

They have been recorded occasionally hovering stationary for long periods beneath ledges of plate corals belonging to the genus Acropora.

Spawning

This is an oviparous species that forms spawning pairs, and spawning normally takes place during the day.

Activity Pattern

The species emerges and is active at night.

Depth Range

It occurs at depths ranging from 1 to 20 metres (3.3 to 65.6 ft).