Chaetodon nigropunctatus
A coral-feeding butterflyfish with black-dotted grey body.
Chaetodon nigropunctatus, commonly called the black-dotted butterflyfish, is a marine ray-finned fish from the family Chaetodontidae. Its face is grey, with a whitish mouth, and the body is a greyish white marked by many longitudinal rows of dark grey spots. The tail is black and edged in white. The dorsal fin contains 13 spines and between 21 and 23 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 18 to 20 soft rays. This species reaches a maximum total length of 14 centimetres (5.5 inches).
Its range is limited to the northwestern Indian Ocean, specifically the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It lives at depths from 1 to 40 metres (3.3 to 131.2 feet), typically on coral or rocky reefs, and sometimes in sandy lagoon areas. Pairs are common, and the diet is thought to consist mainly of coral polyps.
The species was first formally described in 1880 by French paleontologist, ichthyologist, and herpetologist Henri Émile Sauvage, with the type locality given as Oman. It belongs to the large subgenus *Rabdophorus*, which may eventually be recognized as a distinct genus.
In the aquarium trade, *Chaetodon nigropunctatus* is rarely seen. Keeping it in captivity is difficult because its specialized diet requires live coral polyps.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Chaetodon
- Parent
- Chaetodon (Rabdophorus)
- Species
- nigropunctatus
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Chaetodon nigropunctatus has a whitish mouth set in a grey face, with a greyish white body marked by many longitudinal rows of dark grey spots. Its tail is black with a white margin. The dorsal fin has 13 spines and 21-23 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 18-20 soft rays. This species attains a maximum total length of 14 centimetres (5.5 in).
It is found in the northwestern Indian Ocean, specifically in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It occurs at depths between 1 and 40 metres (3.3 and 131.2 ft), inhabiting coral reefs where they occur in pairs. They are thought to feed mainly on coral polyps, and are found over reefs of coral or rock, sometimes in sandy lagoon areas.
Chaetodon nigropunctatus was first formally described in 1880 by the French paleontologist, ichthyologist, and herpetologist Henri Émile Sauvage, with the type locality given as Oman. It belongs to the large subgenus Rabdophorus, which might warrant recognition as a distinct genus.
Reader's Guide
Chaetodon nigropunctatus is rare in the aquarium trade, but it is a difficult species to keep in captivity due to its specialised diet of live coral polyps. This dietary requirement limits its suitability for most home aquariums, as providing live coral polyps is challenging. The species' occurrence in pairs on coral reefs in the northwestern Indian Ocean, at depths up to 40 metres, underscores its ecological role as a coral polyp feeder. Its placement in the subgenus Rabdophorus, which might warrant recognition as a distinct genus, reflects ongoing taxonomic discussion. The species was first formally described in 1880 by Henri Émile Sauvage, with the type locality in Oman, contributing to the historical documentation of butterflyfish diversity in the region. Its distinctive black-dotted pattern and black tail with white margin make it visually notable, though its rarity in trade and specialized feeding habits limit its broader significance outside of natural reef ecosystems.
Did You Know?
- Chaetodon nigropunctatus has a black tail with a white margin.
- This species is thought to feed mainly on coral polyps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chaetodon nigropunctatus?
Chaetodon nigropunctatus, commonly called the black-dotted butterflyfish, is a small marine ray-finned fish in the family Chaetodontidae. It is a coral-feeding species native to the northwestern Indian Ocean.
What does Chaetodon nigropunctatus look like?
It has a grey face with a pale mouth, and its greyish-white body is patterned with many longitudinal rows of dark grey spots. The tail is solid black bordered by a white margin, creating a striking contrast against the spotted body.
Where does Chaetodon nigropunctatus live?
Its distribution is confined to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in the northwestern Indian Ocean. It is typically found at depths between 1 and 40 metres (about 3 to 131 feet).
How big does Chaetodon nigropunctatus get?
The species tops out at 14 centimetres (5.5 inches) in total length. Its dorsal fin bears 13 spines and 21 to 23 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 18 to 20 soft rays.
What role does Chaetodon nigropunctatus play in its reef ecosystem?
As a dedicated coral-feeding butterflyfish, it depends on living coral for both nutrition and shelter. It is a small, reef-associated contributor to the biodiversity of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman coral communities.
More in Butterflyfish, Part 2 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced