Ray-finned fishes (Lat. Actinopterygii)

Perch-likes (Lat. Perciformes)

Butterflyfishes (Lat. Chaetodontidae)

20 cm TL

Reef-associated; depth range 1–170 m.

Tropical; 30°N–32°S

Indo-Pacific: Red Sea, East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe and Rapa islands. Southeast Atlantic: East London, South Africa.

Usually in pairs or small groups in shallow reef flats of lagoon and seaward reefs to depths of over 30 m. Juvenile occurs among rocks of inner reef flats and in tide pools. Adult feeds mainly on nudibranchs, tubeworm tentacles, and other benthic invertebrates, also feeds on algae and coral polyps. Oviparous. Forms pairs during breeding.