Friday 18 April 2014

Butterflyfish / Chaetodontidae

The Butterfly Fish
Photo: An ornate butterflyfish swimming near a coral reef

Butterfly fish are usually found around coral reefs, looking for polyps, worms, and any other small invertebrates.

Butterfly fish, with their amazing array of colours and patterns, are among the most common sites on reefs throughout the world. Although some species are dull-coloured, most wear intricate patterns with striking backgrounds of blue, red, orange, or yellow. 

Many have dark bands across their eyes and round, eye-like dots on their flanks to confuse predators as to which end to strike and in which direction they're likely to flee.
There are about 114 species of butterfly fish. They have thin, disk-shaped bodies that closely resemble their equally recognizable cousins, the angelfish. 

Some butterfly fish species travel in small schools, although many are solitary until they find a partner, with whom they may mate for life.

Butterfly fish are omnivores, At night, butterfly fish settle into dark crevices, and their brilliant colours and markings fade to blend with the reef background!

Size relative to a tea cup:
Illustration: Butterflyfish compared with tea cup

No comments:

Post a Comment