Orangebanded Coralfish
Coradion chrysozonus
A tall, ovate fish, white in colour with three brownish-orange bars on the head and body (the middle bar is split almost to its base), a dark narrow bar across the tail base and a characteristic false eyespot (called an ocellus) on the base of the soft dorsal fin. The pelvic fins are black.
Morphology
The extremely tall body profile and small, pointed snout adapted for feeding on tiny invertebrates that live on sponges are distinctive features. Reaches about 13 cm in length.
Evolution
Three currently recognised species belong to the genus Coradion. The Butterflyfish family Chaetodontidae is relatively diverse, containing 129 species. Researchers at WA Museum have been collecting tissue samples throughout WA waters to test the hypothesis that some WA butterflyfish populations may in fact represent unique species.
Behaviour
Often found in pairs. The diet mainly consists of sponges.
Method of reproduction
Sexual; forms breeding pairs.
Habitat
Marine
Found around coral reefs and soft bottoms of trawling grounds from 3-60 m depth.
Distribution
Ranges from northern Australia and New Guinea, north to the Andaman Sea and southern Japan. Has also recently been reported from Tonga.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Chaetodontidae |
| Genus: | Coradion |
| Species: | chrysozonus |
| Name Published Year: | 1831 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Cuvier |
| Commercial Impact: | This species has minor commercial value as part of the aquarium fish trade. |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/coradion-chrysozonus
Accessed 5 Sep 2023
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