Butterflyfishes

Chevron butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifascialis)

The Chevron butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifascialis) belongs to the family Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a coral feeder and usually seen in pairs or alone. It reaches about 15 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Near Threatened. It is not dangerous to divers.

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

Quick facts

Scientific nameChaetodon trifascialis
FamilyButterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae)
Common name (IT)Pesce farfalla chevron
Common name (EN)Chevron butterflyfish
Maximum size15 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusNT — Near Threatened

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 Chevron butterflyfish belong to?
The Chevron butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifascialis) belongs to the family Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes).
Is the Chevron butterflyfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Chevron 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 Chevron butterflyfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 15 cm.

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