Tahitian Butterflyfish

Chaetodon trichrous

The Tahitian butterflyfish is a small reef-associated fish known for its distinctive coloration. It reaches a maximum length of about 12 centimeters. The fish features a color pattern with the back half of its body being dark brown to black, while the front part is grayish. A notable characteristic is the small vertical black stripe running through its eye, and its tail is yellow. Divers can identify this species by these unique markings. This fish is endemic to the central-south Pacific Ocean, specifically around French Polynesia, including the Marquesas Islands, Society Islands, Tahiti, and the Tuamotu Archipelago. It inhabits shallow coastal habitats such as lagoon reefs and rocky reefs, generally found at depths ranging from 3 to 25 meters. The Tahitian butterflyfish is typically observed living singly, in pairs, or in small groups. In terms of diet, the Tahitian butterflyfish feeds over hard substrates and consumes plankton. It is an oviparous species, meaning it lays eggs, and forms pairs during the breeding season. According to the IUCN Red List, this species is classified as Least Concern.