Hemitaurichthys polylepis (Bleeker, 1857)

Maximum Length

The pyramid butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis) is a small fish that grows to a maximum length of 18 centimeters.

Body Shape

Its body is compressed laterally, with a rounded overall shape. It has a slightly protruding snout and a small, extendable (protrusible) mouth.

Head Coloration

Its distinctive color pattern makes this species easy to identify: a dark brown-yellow area (whose intensity can vary) covers the entire head, and extends in a line from the first rays of the dorsal fin to the base of the pelvic fins.

Body and Caudal Fin Coloration

The rest of the body, including the caudal peduncle and caudal fin, is white.

Pyramidal Markings

Yellow-orange markings on the upper sides of the body form a characteristic pyramidal shape, which gives the fish its common name.

Anal Fin Coloration

The anal fin is also yellow-orange.

Distribution Range

This species is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific, ranging from Cocos Keeling and Christmas Island to Polynesia, and from southern Japan to New Caledonia.

Habitat Preference

Pyramid butterflyfish prefer outer reef slopes, where they can swim out into open water to feed.

Depth Range

They are found at depths between 3 and 60 meters.