Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Family Chaetodontidae Scientific name Chaetodon xanthocephalus Higher classification Chaetodon Order Perciformes | |
 | ||
Similar Chaetodon, Butterflyfish, Peppered butterflyfish, Scrawled butterflyfish, Chaetodon falcula | ||
Yellowhead butterflyfish
Chaetodon xanthocephalus, known commonly as the Yellowhead butterflyfish, is a species of marine fish in the family Chaetodontidae.
Contents
Yellowhead butterflyfish
Distribution
The Yellowhead butterflyfish is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.
Description
The Yellowhead butterflyfish is a small size fish and can reach a maximum size of 20 cm length . Overall color is white to pale grey with a series of five to six darker lines shaped in broad V's across the body. The head is covered by a broad yellow band and the dorsal and anal fins are mostly yellow.
Habitat
The Yellowhead butterflyfish is found at depths between 1 and 30m. Usually solitary, but may form loose shoals of 5-6 individuals and usually found around isolated coral heads. Territorial and aggressive to other chaetodonts; omnivorous.
