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Threadfin butterflyfish

Chaetodon auriga

Threadfin butterflyfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Threadfin butterflyfish (Chaetodon auriga) is a colorful reef dweller known for its striking vertical stripes and elongated dorsal fin. It is popular among underwater photographers and aquarium hobbyists rather than as a sport fish, and anglers typically pursue it for the challenge of targeting small reef species.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected
Reports of ciguatera

Basic Information

Family

Chaetodontidae

Max Size

25 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-60m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

May-October (warm tropical months)

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Threadfin butterflyfish

  • Use a light spinning rod (5-6 ft) with 2-4 lb test line to feel subtle bites.
  • Present a small live bait such as shrimp or a soft plastic minnow of 1-2 cm; fish often strike at moving prey near the reef.
  • Cast just beyond the reef edge and retrieve slowly, allowing the lure to hover near the bottom where butterflyfish browse.
  • Keep the hook size small (size 10-12) and use a light, non‑stainless steel hook to avoid spooking the wary fish.

Top Fishing Locations for Threadfin butterflyfish

Great Barrier Reef – Lizard Island

Australia
beginner85% Very Common

Lizard Island's pristine coral reefs host abundant populations of Threadfin butterflyfish, especially around the lagoon's outer reef.

Best: June - September

Ari Atoll – North Male Atoll

Maldives
intermediate78% Very Common

The vibrant coral walls of Ari Atoll are a hotspot for Chaetodon auriga, often seen in schools.

Best: November - April

Kona Coast – Kealakekua Bay

United States
beginner70% Very Common

Kona's volcanic reef structures attract many threadfin butterflyfish, especially in the sheltered bays.

Best: May - October

Rock Islands – Koror

Palau
intermediate82% Very Common

The limestone islands and deep drop-offs of Palau are renowned for diverse butterflyfish, with threadfin among the most common.

Best: April - September

Sharm El Sheikh – Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt
beginner80% Very Common

Red Sea's Ras Mohammed offers crystal-clear waters and abundant coral where threadfin butterflyfish thrive.

Best: October - March

Christmas Island – North West Reef

Australia
expert75% Very Common

Remote reefs around Christmas Island host dense schools of threadfin butterflyfish, making it a bucket-list spot.

Best: December - February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Threadfin butterflyfish

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5-6 ft, fast action
Line2-4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft plastic shrimp or tiny jig, 1-2 cm
TechniqueSlow retrieve near reef edge, allow lure to drift and mimic grazing prey

Best bait: Live shrimp or small piece of crab