Description:

The term Chaetodon vagabundus refers to the Vagabond Butterflyfish, also known as the Crisscross Butterflyfish.

Classification: It is a species of marine ray-finned fish in the family Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes).

Distribution: It is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the coast of East Africa to the Line and Gambier Islands, north to Japan, and south to New South Wales.

Habitat: It is a reef-associated fish found in various reef areas, including coastal reef flats, lagoons, and outer seaward reef slopes. It can be found at depths from 0 to about 30 meters and can tolerate areas of turbid water or freshwater runoff.

Appearance: It has a whitish body marked with two series of thin, dark diagonal lines that run perpendicular to each other, creating a chevron or “crisscross” pattern. It also has a broad black vertical band through the eye and another band toward the tail (caudal peduncle/caudal fin).

Size: It can grow to a maximum total length of about 23 cm (9.1 inches), but a more common length is around 15 cm (5.9 inches).

Diet: It is omnivorous, feeding on algae, coral polyps, crustaceans, and worms in the wild.

Behaviour: They are typically found swimming in stable, monogamous pairs, with both fish jointly defending a feeding territory.

Aquarium Trade: It is a popular species in the aquarium trade. However, it is not considered reef-safe as it will eat coral polyps, anemones, and other benthic invertebrates. They are generally considered hardy for a butterflyfish if kept in a well-established, large marine aquarium (minimum 90-125 gallons for a pair) with a varied, meaty diet.

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