Chaetodon larvatus

Cuvier, 1831

Orangeface Butterflyfish

Range: Indian Ocean: Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Size: 5 inches (12 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow areas encompassing rich coral growths in depths between 10 to 50 feet (3 – 15 m) and feeds exclusively on stony coral polyps.

General Husbandry: Quite attractive, as its bluish body has numerous pinkish vertical lines, an orange face, with the upper rear dorsal and tail black.

Nevertheless, because it feed solely on live coral polyps, it's best this species not be collected for the aquarium trade.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Chaetodontidae

Genus: Chaetodon

FYI: Experience Level: Professional

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Corallivore

Coral Safe: No

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 28°C)