Acropora Butterfly

Description: Body elongate; color is generally white with narrow chevron markings. Juveniles have a mostly yellow tail and a broad black band extending from the rear of the dorsal fin to the rear of the anal fin. Tail pattern and posterior part of body changes dramatically with growth (Ref. 48636). Snout length 2.8-3.3 in HL. Body depth 1.7-2.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Distinct pairing (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 15; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3 - 5; Analsoft rays: 13 - 15

Both males and females hold separate territories, which are sometimes adjacent to each other. Occur in shallow lagoon and semi-protected seaward reefs. Closely associated with tabular and staghorn Acropora corals upon which it feeds on their polyps and mucus. Solitary or in pairs.

Territorial species which occur in shallow lagoon and semi-protected seaward reefs (Ref. 48636). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Closely associated with tabular and staghorn Acropora corals upon which they feed on their polyps and mucus. Solitary or in pairs. Juveniles secretive among coral branches (Ref. 48636). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form pairs during breeding (Ref. 205).

aquarium: commercial