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| fishes text index | photo index |
| Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrate > fishes > Family Chaetodontidae |
| Kite
butterflyfish Parachaetodon ocellatus Family Chaetodontidae updated Feb 11 Where seen? This kite-shaped fish with stripes and a spot on the base of the tail is sometimes seen on our Northern our shores. Among seagrasses or coral rubble. Usually alone but sometimes in a group. Features: To about 18cm, those seen at low tide usually about 4-8cm. Four brown, broad bands across the body (5 bands as juveniles and 4 as adults). The snout is blunt. There is a black eye spot at the base of the tail fin with a less distinct 'false eye' on the dorsal fin. Adults have a more pointed dorsal fin. It is also sometimes called the Ocellate coralfish. Sometimes, small groups of small Kite butterflyfishes (about 3-4cm) are seen near, but not touching, Haddon's carpet anemones (Stichodactyla haddoni). The fishes form pairs during breeding season. What does it eat? It eats coral polyps and small animals. It is also reported to be omnivorous. Human uses: Unfortunately these beautiful fishes are popular in the live aquarium trade although they are considered difficult to keep and feed. Status and threats: It is seldom traded in the aquarium trade. Like other creatures of the intertidal zone, it is affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. Over-collection can also have an impact on local populations. |
 Pulau Sekudu, Jul 04  |
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Kite butterflyfishes on Singapore shores
 Kusu Island, Aug 08 |
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 Chek Jawa, Jul 05 
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Links
References
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Periplus Editions. 292 pp.|
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