Ornate Butterflyfish
Chaetodon ornatissimus
Sighting evidence at Shark's Cove, Oahu
Ornate butterflyfish are among the most visually striking residents of Shark's Cove, their bold orange chevron stripes against white bodies making them instantly identifiable as they graze on coral polyps along the cove's inner walls. They form long-term monogamous pairs and defend feeding territories within the lava formations, making them reliable indicators of live coral cover and reef health.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Ornate Butterflyfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.