Description:

Dorsal spines: 12; Dorsal rays: 24-27; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 19-22.

Full-bodied, nearly round, laterally compressed fish with prominent snout and terminal mouth. 

Colour. White body. Has a broad dark bar on the head that runs through the eye and down to the “throat”. This bar encompasses a central white patch on the forehead. Snout 
and lips are white. A series of narrow vertical black lines run across the sides. A black elliptical mark along the rear of the back that runs across the caudal peduncle 
to the rear anal-fin base with an anterior yellow margin. Pectoral fins transparent. Pelvic fins white. The dorsal caudal and anal fins are bright yellow. The dorsal fin 
exhibits some banding in the yellow. The caudal fin has a transparent terminal edge with a yellow-grey submargin. 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 30cm TL. 
Largest of the Chaetodontids. 

Generally associated with coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs (depth 2-171m). Usually seen in pairs, though small aggregations are sometimes encountered. 
Feeds on coral polyps, anemones, small invertebrates and algae. Although associated with coral reef habitats Lined Butterflyfish do not rely on live coral for food. 
Oviparous. Form 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.  
 

In water photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.

Bray, D.J. (2018). Chaetodon lineolatus in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2384 (16/06/19).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/5564 (16/06/19).
Myers, R. & Pratchett, M. (2010). Chaetodon lineolatus. The IUCN Red List 2010: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T165669A6086327.en. (16/06/19).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Chaetodon lineolatus, Lined butterflyfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/chaetodon-lineolatus-cuvier-1831/ (edited 18/07/22).