Common on shallow lagoon and seaward reefs, this species is usually paired but sometimes forms groups. We have watched a small reef about 2 to 3m in diameter isolated on a sand spit host a population of at least 30 of these fish for more than a year.
The tiny juvenile specimen below was hiding next to the mantle of the clam Hippopus hippopus.
A slightly larger juvenile is starting to develop the lines on its sides..
In a few spots, this species forms small schools.
The look-alike in the lower front, slightly to the right of middle, in the photo below is Chaetodon vagabundus.
Created 15 October 2010
Updated 13 February 2016