Chaetodon triangulum Cuvier, 1831
Triangle butterflyfish
Chaetodon triangulum
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  16 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 25 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Madagascar to the Andaman Sea (Ref. 9710) and western sector of the Indonesian Archipelago. Chinese Taipei south to Tubbataha, Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-26; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 20-21. Description: Body dark grey with pattern chevron (Ref. 90102). Deep-bodied and black triangle in caudal fin (Ref. 48636). Snout length 2.8-3.3 in HL. Body depth 1.7-2.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). Closely associated with Acropora corals, particularly the staghorn variety. Territorial and in pairs (Ref. 9710). Juveniles solitary among coral branches (Ref. 48636). Feed mainly on coral polyps and therefore does not adjust easily to aquarium conditions. Oviparous (Ref. 205), monogamous (Ref. 52884). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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