Description:

Dorsal spines: 12-13; Dorsal rays: 22-25; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 19-21.
A small deep bodied but laterally compressed fish. Prominent snout and mouth. In large adults the anterior rays of the dorsal fin are elongated into a filament. 
Colour. Body white with two opposing series of oblique dark lines. Prominent vertical black band through the eye, wider below than above in adults.  Bright yellow fins 
with marginal banding. Conspicuous black spot on the rear of the dorsal fin.

Maturity: Lm 13cm TL. Range unknown. Max Length: 23cm TL.

Inhabits a variety of coral reef habitats, sand, coral rubble or weedy substrate (Depth 1-60m, usually 1-40m). Adults usually in pairs. May be found in aggregations that 
range considerable distances in search of food. Feeds on coral polyps, crustaceans, worms, gastropods and algae. Reported to feed mostly on live coral in the Indian Ocean. 
Forms pairs during breeding. 
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery and also in nets, but is an uncommon component of the landed catch, 
as it is typically released by fishers when caught.  
 

Bray, D.J. Chaetodon auriga in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2375 (14/06/19).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/5557 (14/06/19).
Graham, N.A.J. et al. (2006). Dynamic fragility of oceanic coral reef ecosystems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of 
America 103(22): 8425-8429.
Heemstra P & Heemstra, E. (2004). Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa. NISC SAIAB. ISBN: 1-920033-01-7.
Myers, R. & Pratchett, M. (2010). Chaetodon auriga. The IUCN Red List 2010: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T165631A6073721.en. (14/06/19).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Chaetodon auriga, Threadfin butterflyfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/chaetodon-auriga-forsskal-1775/ (edited 29/06/22).