Chaetodon trifascialis (Chevroned coralfish)

More than one-third of coral-reef fish species in the Indian Ocean, such as the butterflyfish Chaetodon trifascialis (pictured), could become extinct in their local environment as a result of climate change.

Nicholas Graham at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia, and his colleagues developed a method for predicting how vulnerable species are to local extinction, taking into account variables such as how picky the fish are about their food or habitat.

The researchers found that 56 of the 134 fish species studied were at risk of losing their habitat, shelter or food sources as a result of climate change. Interestingly, those fish at greatest risk from climate change were not the same as those at greatest risk from overfishing. The predictions could be used to better manage animal populations and habitats, helping to ensure survival under climate change and other pressures.

Reference:

https://www.nature.com

Chaetodon trifascialis (Chevroned coralfish)

Genus species (Animalia): Chaetodon trifascialis

The chevron butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifascialis), also known as chevroned butterflyfish, triangulate butterflyfish or V-lined butterflyfish, is a species of butterflyfish (family Chaetodontidae) found in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian and Society Islands.

Chevron butterflyfish should not be confused with Melon butterflyfish Chaetodon trifasciatus, Three-striped butterflyfish Chaetodon tricinctus, or Three-banded Butterflyfish.

Description

The chevron butterflyfish has an relatively elongate pale body marked with dark vertical chevron markings. It has a black tail with yellow posterior margin. There is a black band with pale edges which runs through the eye. The juveniles have a black vertical band which runs from the rear of the dorsal fin, over the rear of the body to the rear of the anal fins and they have a yellow tail base and pectoral fins. The dorsal fin contains 13-15 spines and 14-16 soft rays while the anal fin has 3-5 spines an 13-15 soft rays. This species attains a maximum total length of 18 centimeters (7.1 in).

Habitat and biology

The chevron butterflyfish is a territorial species which occurs in semi-protected seaward and shallow lagoon reefs, closely associated with tabular and staghorn (Acropora) corals, the polyps and mucus of which they eat. They occur at depths ranging from 2–30 m. Adults are either seen to swim alone or (particularly in the breeding season) in pairs, while juveniles are secretive among coral branches. They are oviparous.

Reference: Wikipedia