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Species Details

Details of Yellowhead butterflyfish will be displayed below

Yellowhead butterf...   

Common Name: Yellowhead butterflyfish
Scientific Name: Chaetodon xanthocephalus
Local Name: Boareendhoo bibee
Dhivehi Name: ބޯރީނދޫ ބިބީ
Animalia  (Kingdom)
Chordata  (Plylum)
Actinopterygii  (Class)
Perciformes  (Order)
Chaetodontidae  (Family)
Chaetodon   (Genus)

Yellowhead butterflyfish's description

The Yellowhead butterflyfish is a small size fish and can reach a maximum size of 20 cm length . Overall color is white to pale grey with a series of five to six darker lines shaped in broad V's across the body. The head is covered by a broad yellow band and the dorsal and anal fins are mostly yellow.

Yellowhead butterflyfish's Behavior & Ecology

The Yellowhead butterflyfish is found at depths between 1 and 30m. Usually solitary, but may form loose shoals of 5-6 individuals and usually found around isolated coral heads. Territorial and aggressive to other chaetodonts; omnivorous.

Yellowhead butterflyfish's Feeding

Feeds on both sea-weed, algae and other small organisms.

Yellowhead butterflyfish's Reproduction

Form pairs during breeding.  Oviparous

Yellowhead butterflyfish's Relationship with Humans

Harmless to humans and can be found in commercial aquarium.

Yellowhead butterflyfish habitat

Populations are generally associated with rocky reefs rich in algae and coral-rich areas of lagoons (Allen 1980, G.R. Allen pers. comm. 2006). It prefers areas with a high percentage of live corals (Allen 1980). Animals are generally found alone or in pairs, and roam widely over the reefs. Feeds on benthic algae and coral polyps (G.R. Allen pers. comm. 2006).

Yellowhead butterflyfish threats

There appear to be no major threats to this species. Collection is limited and is not considered to be impacting the global population.

Yellowhead butterflyfish's status

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