Chaetodon pictus Forsskål, 1775
Horseshoe butterflyfish
Chaetodon pictus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  15.4 cm (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Oman and Gulf of Aden.
Diagnosis:  This species is similar to Chaetodon vagabundus except for the following: that the black band running up the rear of the body merges with the black dorsal fin margin and eye band, thus forming a horseshoe mark; the black tail fin bands are replaced by reddish brown bands; and the soft dorsal and anal fins of adults are more pointed (Ref. 58304).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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