Butterflyfishes
Black-backed butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus)
The Black-backed butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus) 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 or alone. It reaches about 16 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Chaetodon melannotus |
|---|---|
| Family | Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) |
| Common name (IT) | Pesce farfalla dorso nero |
| Common name (EN) | Black-backed butterflyfish |
| Maximum size | 16 cm |
| Depth | 1–50 m |
| Distribution | Red Sea and Indo-Pacific |
| IUCN status | LC — 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 Black-backed butterflyfish belong to?
- The Black-backed butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus) belongs to the family Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes).
- Is the Black-backed butterflyfish dangerous?
- It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
- Is the Black-backed 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 Black-backed butterflyfish get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 16 cm.
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