Butterflyfishes

Lined butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus)

The Lined butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus) belongs to the family Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is an omnivore and usually seen in pairs. It reaches about 28 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

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

Quick facts

Scientific nameChaetodon lineolatus
FamilyButterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae)
Common name (IT)Pesce farfalla a linee
Common name (EN)Lined butterflyfish
Maximum size28 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Lined butterflyfish belong to?
The Lined butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus) belongs to the family Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes).
Is the Lined butterflyfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Lined butterflyfish endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Lined butterflyfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 28 cm.

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