The black pyramid butterflyfish is a small-sized fish that can reach a maximum length of 18 cm.

[5] Hemitaurichthys zoster is widespread throughout tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean from the eastern coast of Africa to Java in Indonesia and from India to Mauritius.

[1][3] It lives in large schools on outer reef slopes, from which it can sally into open water to feed on plankton.

[9] The specific name zoster means "belt" or "girdle" and is presumed to refer to the wide, white band in the middle of this fish's body.

[1] Hemitaurichthys zoster is a planktivore, and the species may be affected by climate-induced reductions in planktonic productivity.