About Chaetodon citrinellus Cuvier, 1831
Chaetodon citrinellus has a pale yellow body covered in numerous small dark spots. It has a black bar that extends both above and below its eye, and the anal fin has a black margin. The largest recorded specimen of this species measured 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) in total length. This species is commonly found in shallow, exposed reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs, most often in relatively open areas that contain scattered corals. It can occasionally be found at depths down to 36 meters (118 feet). Its diet consists of small worms, small benthic invertebrates, coral polyps, and filamentous algae. Adult Chaetodon citrinellus typically swim in pairs, and these pairs form during the breeding season. Juveniles are more often found in small groups, and they commonly mix with other juvenile butterflyfish of similar size, especially juveniles of the Sunburst Butterflyfish, Chaetodon kleinii. This species is oviparous.
