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Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae)
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There is 1 image in this galleryTue, 10/26/2010 - 14:55
A very common species found at all of the frequently visited locations in the area, the Black-Cap Butterflyfish (Chaetodon Wiebeli) is most often found singularly or in pairs, although on occasion, most likely around mating time, they may form groups of 30 or more.
Although this species is easily identified, it is often incorrectly identified as the Racoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon Lunula) which is not present in local waters.
Growing to a maximum length of around 20cm, this species can be identified by its overall orange/yellow colouration with slightly redish diagonal bands. These bands may be broken below the pectoral fin to give the appearance of a small cluster of spots.
On the head there is a broad black vertical band running through the eye, a slightly narrower white band behind this and a final, shorter black band forming the "cap" at the top of the head.
The snout is greyish and may have a small black patch at the tip and there are single black and white vertical bands on the caudal fin.
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There is 1 image in this galleryWed, 10/26/2011 - 16:43
The Eight-Banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon Octofasciatus) is another common species found in local waters, particularly around the shallower inshore reef areas.
It is easily recognised by its yellow/white-ish overall colouration with 8 narrow vertical black bands along the length of its body. The caudal fin is generally transparent and there is a black stripe on the top of the snout.
Growing to only around 12cm in length and rather shy in nature, these can be surprisingly difficult fish to get a good photograph of.
Their diet consists of coral polyps and they are most commonly found close to branching corals such as Staghorns, parrticularly in their juvenile phase.
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There is 1 image in this galleryTue, 10/26/2010 - 17:39
The Highfin Coralfish (Coradion Altivelis) has been causing quite a bit of confusion due to its similarity to the Orange-Banded Coralfish (Coradion Chrysozonus).
I was initially quite sure that the species found locally was the Highfin Coralfish, however it appears that this species lacks the "oscellated spot" present on the Orange-Banded Coralfish.
After checking the photo collection, it may be that both species are actually present as i have photos of both adults and juveniles, with and without the "oscellated spot"...
These species both share similar features eg. four broad yellow/brownish vertical bands, a black band on the caudal peduncle, thin blue sub-margin on the dorsal and anal fins.
Until a positive identification can be made, i am creating a gallery for both species, adding photos of those that best fit the description of each into their own gallery.
There is the possibility that there will be incorrect species in either gallery.Anyone with definitive knowledge on these species is very welcome to add comments in order to help clarify which species is which.
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There is 1 image in this gallerySat, 06/18/2011 - 19:02
The Lined Butterflyfish (Chaetodon Lineolatus) is one of the largest members of the Butterflyfish family.
Reaching a length or around 30cm, this is a common species in local waters, although never found in significant numbers.
Usually found singularly or in pairs, this species is easily identified by its comparatively large size and distinctive colouration.
The body is generally silvery/grey with thin black vertical bars joining a broader black bar at the rear.All of the black vertical bars are around three quarter length, therefore the belly is generally unmarked.
The dorsal, pelvic and anal fins are all yellow and there is another yellow mark just forward of the thick black bar.
The main distinguishing feature is the white spot on the nape, surrounded by a wide black bar running vertically down the head.
It is this feature which distinguishes the species from the similar (though not locally occuring) Spot-Nape Butterflyfish (Chaetodon Oxycephalus).
The Lined Butterflyfish feeds on a diet consisting mainly of algae, coral polyps and small invertibrates.
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There are 3 images in this galleryTue, 12/13/2011 - 19:42
The Long-Beaked Coralfish (Chelmon Rostratus) is one of the most common species of Butterflyfish in the area, particularly in the shallow inshore reef areas, although they are also found in smaller numbers at deeper sites such as Sail Rock, Koh Phangan.
Reaching a length of up to 20cm, the Long-Beaked Coralfish is easily identified with its extended snout, golden/copper coloured vertical bands on an overall silvery/white body and "oscellated spot" or "false eye" on the rear of the dorsal fin.
Adults are usually found in pairs at all locations whilst very small juveniles tend to be found individually in shallow, sheltered areas (below Chaloklum pier seems to be a favourite location for juveniles!).
,p>If approached cautiously, this species makes an excellent subject for photographs.
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There is 1 image in this galleryMon, 05/16/2011 - 20:04
The Longfin Bannerfish (Heniochus Acuminatus) is a very common species in local waters.
Although it has a very characteristic appearance, it is often mistaken for other species of similar appearance, particularly the Moorish Idol (Zanclus Cornutus), made famous in the movie Finding Nemo, and the less famous, but more closely related Schooling Bannerfish (Heniochus Diphreutes).
Adults are distinguished by their long, tapering dorsal filament. The body has two broad black bands and the dorsal, pectoral and caudal fins are yellow. There is also a small black band above the eyes and a black mark on the snout.
Growing to a maximum length of around 25cm, Longfin Bannerfish feed on a diet consisting mainly of zooplankton and small invertibrates.
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There are 2 images in this galleryTue, 10/26/2010 - 18:23
The Orange-Banded Coralfish (Coradion Chrysozonus) has been causing quite a bit of confusion due to its similarity to the Highfin Coralfish (Coradion Altivelis).
I was initially quite sure that the species found locally was the Highfin Coralfish, however it appears that this species lacks the "oscellated spot" present on the Orange-Banded Coralfish.
After checking the photo collection, it may be that both species are actually present as i have photos of both adults and juveniles, with and without the "oscellated spot"...
These species both share similar features eg. four broad yellow/brown-ish vertical bands, a black band on the caudal peduncle, thin blue sub-margin on the dorsal and anal fins.
Until a positive identification can be made, i am creating a gallery for both species, adding photos of those that best fit the description of each into their own gallery.
There is the possibility that there will be incorrect species in either gallery.
Anyone with definitive knowledge on these species is very welcome to add comments in order to help clarify which species is which.