Unusual markings on Spotfin Butterfly
Posted November 19th, 2010 by Carlos Estape
Images:
Anyone ever see these markings on what I presume to be a Spotfin Butterflyfish? The image was taken at night off of Grand Cayman. The dark body bar and location of the larger, more pronounced spot, looks like that of a juvenile Foureye. Could it be a hybrid? Carlos
Yes, Spotfin
This is common nighttime color display for the spotfin butterfly. Quoting from the H/D ID guide CD-rom: "Occasionally there may be a rather large dark spot at the base of the soft dorsal fin... Nocturnally this spot becomes black, dark bands appear on the sides and the small dot on the fin tip may fade." The CD-room includes 2 photos just like yours.
nighttime Spotfin
livi120,
I better get those CD roms and get up to date, (I was secretely hoping for the chance to name a new species). Thank you for clarifying. Kind regards, Carlos
you are welcome
CD makes a great Christmas gilft!!!!