Spot-Tail Butterflyfish

Chaetodon ocellicaudus

Spot-tail Butterflyfish are medium-sized reef fish found in the central Indo-west Pacific, from Malaysia to New Guinea, and north to the Philippines and Palau. They can grow up to 15 cm long and are distinguished by their oval shape, silvery body with yellow fins and snout, and diagonal stripes. A key feature is the black mark on the caudal peduncle, which helps differentiate them from the similar black-backed butterflyfish. Unlike their relatives, Spot-tail Butterflyfish lack a black mark on the chest and have a lighter back. These fish inhabit coral-rich areas of reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs, typically at depths between 3 and 15 meters, although they can be found as deep as 50 meters. Juveniles tend to stay inshore, while adults are usually seen in pairs. Their diet primarily consists of soft coral polyps from genera such as Litophyton, Clavularia, Nephthia, and Sarcophyton. Spot-tail Butterflyfish are oviparous and form pairs during breeding. Divers might encounter these fish in pairs, feeding on coral polyps in reef environments. The IUCN Red List categorizes this species as Data Deficient.