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Pyramid Butterflyfish

Hemitaurichthys polylepis

Pyramid Butterflyfish

Hemitaurichthys polylepis
Other Common Names
Brushytoothed Butterflyfish, Shy Butterflyfish
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Brushytoothed Butterflyfish, Shy Butterflyfish

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

The pyramid butterflyfish can be identified by its white body and caudal fin, and by its orange-yellow anal and dorsal fins. The orange-yellow color extends partly onto the body. Its head is dark brown. The pyramid butterflyfish can grow to a maximum length of 18 cm.

Habitat

Outer reef slopes exposed to currents at depths of 3-60m.

Diet

Zooplankton

Life History

Spawning generally occurs in the evening and involves a courtship ritual. Eggs and sperm are released in the water. Fertilized eggs float and drift in the current, hatching within two days.

The larval stage lasts from several weeks to a few months. Similar to other species of butterflyfish, the pyramid butterflyfish go through a noticeable late larval stage called the tholichthys. This stage involves the head and front of the body being covered by large bony plates. They continue to develop and juveniles settle in shallow, sheltered waters.

Adults live in large groups.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Pyramid butterflyfish help maintain balance in reef ecosystems since they consume zooplankton and are prey for larger predators.
Range
Widespread in the central and western Pacific from Cocos-Keeling and Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to Pitcairn, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands, south to northern New South Wales and Rapa Iti.
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
The pyramid butterflyfish produce pulsed communication sounds during social interactions such as courtship.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Boyle, K. S., and T. C. Tricas. 2010. Pulse sound generation, anterior swim bladder buckling and associated muscle activity in the pyramid butterflyfish, Hemitaurichthys polylepis. Journal of Experimental Biology 213:3881–3893.
  • Kuiter, R. H. 1997. Guide to sea fishes of Australia. New Holland, Frenchs Forest, Australia.
  • Myers, R. & M. Pratchett. 2010. Hemitaurichthys polylepis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
  • Myers, R. F. 1989. Micronesian reef fishes: a practical guide to the identification of the coral reef fishes of the tropical central and western Pacific. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Territory of Guam, U.S.A.
    • Back to All Animals

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    Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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