Foureye Butterflyfish

Chaetodon capistratus

A small reef fish with a white-ringed false eyespot near its tail and fine diagonal lines across its pale body.

Foureye butterflyfish are native to Florida's shallow reefs and nearby seagrass habitat. Adults often move together in pairs.

The large rear eyespot and dark bar through the real eye can make its direction difficult for a predator to judge.

Pair of foureye butterflyfish swimming beside a sea fan on a Caribbean reef

Habitat:

Coastal Waters

Area / Range:

South Florida, Florida Keys

Diet:

Nips small attached invertebrates, including zoantharians, worms, gorgonians, and tunicates, using a small mouth and bristle-like teeth.

Behavior:

Active by day, adults commonly travel in pairs while juveniles tend to be solitary. They seek reef shelter at night.

Day

Active Times:

Best time to see:

Daylight on shallow reefs and near seagrass-edge shelter in South Florida and the Florida Keys.

Florida Native Status:

Native

Conservation Status:

Least Concern (IUCN global assessment); habitat protection and responsible collection remain important.

Safety Level:

Low Risk

Safety Information:

Observe without touching, feeding, or cornering this reef fish. Maintain safe swimming or diving practices, keep fins clear of coral, and leave shelter and feeding areas undisturbed.

Benefits to Property:

This small predator is part of the reef's invertebrate food web and a rewarding subject for careful underwater observation.

Property Concerns:

It does not damage landscapes or buildings. Reef disturbance and collecting for aquariums can affect local fish and their feeding habitat.

Fun Fact:

It has two real eyes. The extra pair implied by its name consists of large spots near the tail.

Wildlife Laws:

Florida marine-life licensing, size, bag, gear, and closed-area rules apply to collection. Check current FWC requirements and additional park or sanctuary restrictions before taking this species.

Identification:

Look for a pale, flattened body with fine diagonal lines, a dark eye bar, and a large white-ringed black spot near the rear of each side. Fin edges show yellow accents.