Blue-Cheeked Butterflyfish

Chaetodon larvatus

The hooded butterflyfish (Chaetodon larvatus) is a medium-sized butterflyfish reaching about 12 cm in length, endemic to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Gulf of Oman. It is immediately recognizable by its pale orange body with dark chevron-shaped markings, a distinctive bright blue or bluish-grey patch covering the cheek area, and a dark hood-like marking over the head. This species inhabits coral-rich reef slopes, walls, and outer reef areas at depths from 3 to 12 meters, where it feeds almost exclusively on Acropora coral polyps. Blue-cheeked butterflyfish are typically found in pairs or small groups, maintaining long-term pair bonds. Their dependence on healthy coral makes them indicators of reef quality. As a Red Sea endemic, they are one of the species that diving visitors most want to see and photograph. Their distinctive coloration, predictable pairing behavior, and coral-rich habitat combine to make them one of the most beautiful and photogenic butterflyfish species in the world.