Description: Copperband butterflyfish, also known as Beaked butterflyfish, are recognized by their four yellow-orange vertical bands edged in black and their elongated snout with a small mouth. Their silvery-white compressed body has a dark eyespot on the back of the dorsal fin and a black band that goes around the base of the tail fin.
Size: Copperband butterflyfish grow to about eight inches (20 cm) in length.
Behavior: They are diurnal, usually found singly or in pairs and are very territorial. Their elongated snout enables them to obtain food from cracks, crevices and holes. Their false eyespot is used to confuse predators to the point that predators do not know which end to attack.
Diet: Carnivorous in nature, they feed on benthic invertebrates, small crustaceans and tubeworms.
Reproduction: These are oviparous (egg laying) fish; fertilization is external. Monogamous pairs are formed during breeding.
Habitat/range: Copperband butterflyfish inhabit rocky shorelines, sheltered reefs and inner reefs of the Indo-Pacific region at depths of 3-82 feet (1-25 m).
Status: Listed as Least Concern on IUCN Red List.
