HomeMarine aquarium fishAngelfish & butterflyfishBluecheek butterflyfish Bluecheek butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) Scientific name: Chaetodon semilarvatus Cuvier, 1831 The Bluecheek butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) is a marine fish of the family Chaetodontidae. Native range: Western Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. BiologyA common species found in areas where there is rich coral growth. Often seen in pairs or small aggregations. Occasionally observed hovering in a stationary position for extended periods under ledges of Acropora plate corals. Oviparous. Form pairs during breeding.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameChaetodon semilarvatusFamilyChaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length23.0Common length15.0Depth range3–20 m (10–66 ft)EnvironmentMarine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 20 mClimateTropicalDistributionWestern Indian Ocean: Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.Conservation status (IUCN)Least Concern (LC)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercialResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) More angelfish & butterflyfishPajama cardinalfishSphaeramia nematopteraEritrean butterflyfishChaetodon paucifasciatusRed Sea bannerfishHeniochus intermediusBlacknosed butterflyfishJohnrandallia nigrirostrisHooded butterflyfishChaetodon larvatusDiagonal butterflyfishChaetodon fasciatusSee all angelfish & butterflyfish SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026