About Chelmon rostratus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Chelmon rostratus, commonly known as the copperband butterflyfish, can be easily identified by its yellow banding and long snout. Juvenile fish have a similar appearance to adult individuals. This butterflyfish species grows up to 20 cm in total length. It has a compressed, deep-bodied form that makes it appear taller than it is long, along with a long dorsal fin and prominent posterior fins. Its body has vertical yellow stripes set against a white background. The snout is long and slender, and the fish's actual dark eye is less noticeable than the dark eye-spot located on its dorsal fin. A dark band runs perpendicular to the tail at the base of the tail. This species can be told apart from the closely similar Chelmon marginalis by differences in color pattern and the number of dorsal fin rays. Copperband butterflyfish inhabit depths between 1 and 25 metres, and they are found either alone or in pairs. They form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They most commonly occur on coral reefs and rocky shorelines, and can also be found in estuaries and silty inner reefs. This species is territorial and oviparous.
