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  • EnglishName: Indian butterflyfish
  • Local Name : Kirulhiya bibee Size : Max. 14 cm
  • Family: CHAETODONTIDAE
  • Order : Perciformes
  • Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 13 spines and 18-20 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 16 rays. Pectoral fin with 15 rays. Body depth 1.6 in standard length. Triangular shaped with third or fourth dorsal spine longest.
  • Colour: Yellow with two broad diagonal black bands, and a black eye bar. Habitat and Biology: Usually found at depths greater than 30 m. Distribution: Indian Ocean.
  • Remarks: Chaetodon mitratus is one of the most beautiful of all the butterflyfishes. Although it is probably moderately common in Maldives it is only seen on very rare occasions because of its deep dwelling habit. The best places for divers to see this species are dropoffs on outer reef slopes.