Chelmon rostratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Copperband butterflyfish
Chelmon rostratus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 10 years
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 25 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Andaman Sea to Ryukyu Islands and Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 28-30; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 19-21. Description: Head and body white sliver, vertical bars orange, black-edged, one across eye, two on anterior half of body, one broader posteriorly; dark brownish bar on caudal peduncle, fins yellow-orange (Ref. 90102). Easily identified by the yellow banding and long snout. Juveniles similar to adults (Ref. 48636). Snout length 1.7-2.1 in HL. Body depth 1.5-2.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  A common species found singly and in pairs along rocky shores and coral reefs; also in estuaries and silty inner reefs (Ref. 9710, 48636). Territorial species (Ref. 48636). Oviparous (Ref. 205), monogamous (Ref. 52884). Forms pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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