Spotfin Butterflyfish

Chaetodon ocellatus

A white-and-yellow butterflyfish with a dark eye bar and a small black spot at the rear of its dorsal fin.

Spotfin butterflyfish are native inhabitants of Florida's shallow reefs and adjacent sandy bottom. Juveniles also use seagrass beds.

The rear dorsal spot helps distinguish this species from similar butterflyfish. Adults lack the large side eyespot of the foureye butterflyfish.

Spotfin butterflyfish swimming alongside an encrusted Caribbean reef wall

Habitat:

Coastal Waters

Area / Range:

South Florida, Florida Keys

Diet:

Feeds by day on small bottom-dwelling and attached invertebrates, including anemones, worms, tunicates, and gorgonians.

Behavior:

Often seen in pairs or small groups, moving over sand near reef structure. Young fish shelter in seagrass and crevices.

Day

Active Times:

Best time to see:

Daylight over sandy openings beside shallow reefs in South Florida and the 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:

It adds to the diversity of Florida's reef and sand-edge communities. Protecting coastal water clarity helps preserve its feeding habitat.

Property Concerns:

It causes no typical landscape or structural damage. Disturbing seagrass or reef shelter while trying to catch one can harm more than the target fish.

Fun Fact:

Its appearance changes at night, when darker body bands become visible.

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:

Adults have a white, disk-shaped body, yellow fins, a vertical black eye bar, and a black spot at the rear of the dorsal fin. Juveniles may show an additional dark rear body bar.