The
blackback butterflyfish (
Chaetodon melannotus) is a species of
butterflyfish found in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific Ocean. When observed at night or when frightened, this species changes color; the
dorsal portion of the body turns black except for two white patches. These
oviparous fish are common on
staghorn coral thickets, at depths of 4 to 20 m (13 to 66 ft).
Photo: Leonard Low/PLW