Description:

The species Chaetodon baronessa is a type of butterflyfish.

Common Names: It is most frequently known as the Eastern Triangular Butterflyfish or Triangular Butterflyfish. Other names include Baroness Butterflyfish and Pacific Triangular Butterflyfish.

Appearance: It has a distinct shape, with a deep body that gives it a somewhat triangular appearance. Its body is purplish or gray-brown with alternating yellow or cream, chevron-shaped narrow bars. It also has three dark bars on its head, including one running across the eye. It can grow up to about 15-16 cm (around 6 inches) in length.

Habitat and Distribution:

It is found in the central Indo-West Pacific region, from the eastern Indian Ocean (Cocos-Keeling Islands) to Fiji and Tonga, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia.

It inhabits seaward and lagoon coral reefs, typically in depths between 1 and 20 meters.

It is often found near areas with abundant Acropora coral.

Diet and Behaviour:

It is an obligate corallivore, meaning it feeds almost exclusively on the polyps of tubular Acropora corals in the wild.

It is generally found swimming in pairs and is territorial.

Aquarium Trade: This species is considered difficult to keep in a home aquarium, as its specialised diet of live Acropora coral polyps is very challenging to sustain in captivity. It is generally not recommended for novice aquarists and is often advised against being collected for the trade due to its specialised feeding requirements.

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