Butterflyfishes

Diagonal butterflyfish (Chaetodon fasciatus)

The Diagonal butterflyfish (Chaetodon fasciatus) belongs to the family Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes) and is endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It is an omnivore and usually seen in pairs or alone. It reaches about 20 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Diagonal butterflyfish (Chaetodon fasciatus), a Red Sea fish of the butterflyfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameChaetodon fasciatus
FamilyButterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae)
Common name (IT)Pesce farfalla a strisce diagonali
Common name (EN)Diagonal butterflyfish
Maximum size20 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionEndemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; it does not occur elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; it does not occur elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Gulf of Aden

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Diagonal butterflyfish belong to?
The Diagonal butterflyfish (Chaetodon fasciatus) belongs to the family Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes).
Is the Diagonal butterflyfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Diagonal butterflyfish endemic to the Red Sea?
Yes — it lives only in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
How big does the Diagonal butterflyfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 20 cm.

Explore the Diagonal butterflyfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →