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Crochet butterflyfish

Chaetodon guentheri

Crochet butterflyfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Crochet butterflyfish (Chaetodon guentheri) is a small, colorful reef dweller prized by snorkelers for its distinctive pattern. Anglers rarely target it, but it can be caught for observation or aquarium trade.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Chaetodontidae

Max Size

18 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

5-40m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Year‑round; activity peaks in warm months (May‑September)

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon when water is calm

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Crochet butterflyfish

  • Use a light line and small hook to avoid spooking the fish.
  • Approach reef structures slowly and cast within 1‑2 m of the coral.
  • Retrieve lures with a slow, steady motion to mimic natural prey.
  • Observe the fish’s behavior; they often hover near coral and will bite a gently presented bait.

Top Fishing Locations for Crochet butterflyfish

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
beginner85% Very Common

World‑renowned reef with high densities of Crochet butterflyfish, easy to access via day trips from Cairns

Best: March‑May, September‑November

Misool Island, Raja Ampat

Indonesia
intermediate70% Very Common

Remote pristine reefs teeming with butterflyfish, best experienced on liveaboard expeditions

Best: October‑December

North Ari Atoll, Maldives

Maldives
beginner80% Very Common

Luxury resort reefs where Crochet butterflyfish are abundant around coral outcrops

Best: January‑April

North West Coast, Christmas Island

Australia
intermediate75% Very Common

Isolated volcanic shoreline with strong currents that concentrate reef fish, including Crochet butterflyfish

Best: April‑June

Koror Reefs, Palau

Palau
intermediate65% Common

Vibrant lagoon reefs known for diverse butterflyfish populations, accessible via short boat trips

Best: May‑August

Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt

Egypt
beginner60% Common

Iconic Red Sea dive site with steep drop‑offs where Crochet butterflyfish are common

Best: September‑November

Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Fiji
expert45% Occasional

Remote archipelago offering pristine reef walls; spotting Crochet butterflyfish requires patience

Best: June‑October

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Crochet butterflyfish

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line2‑4 lb test fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro soft‑plastic jig or tiny spoon
TechniqueGentle reef drop‑shot or light surface cast near coral heads

Best bait: Live brine shrimp or tiny pieces of shrimp