CHAETODONTIDAE


Chaetodon melannotus
(photo by Narongphon Sittithaweephat)


Chaetodon melannotus
Bloch and Schneider, 1801
Blackbacked Butterflyfish

D XII-XIII, 17-20; A III, 17-18; P1 12-15; LLp 29-36; LR 33-39.

Snout short, predorsal profile straight. Lateral line incomplete. Caudal fin truncate to slightly rounded. Color: overall white with bright yellow fins; numerous, narrow, oblique black lines on sides; upper back blackish; a black blotch above anal spines; a black interrupted band on caudal peduncle; a narrow yellow-edged black bar through eye. Size: maximum length about 15 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific. Remarks: inhabits coral reefs at depths of 3-15 m.