Butterflyfish

ID points

• Flattened disc-shaped body with a protruding snout
• Most species have a black bar running through the eye
• Usually seen in pairs, rarely alone

Basics

Family

Chaetodontidae

Length

12–20 cm

Depth

1-30 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs · Caribbean & W. Atlantic

Distribution

Shallow tropical coral reefs worldwide

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs

Diet

Coral polyps, small invertebrates

Easily confused with

Raccoon ButterflyfishA black and white eye band, like the mask of a raccoonCopperband ButterflyfishFour broad copper-orange bands edged in black on a white groundEightband ButterflyfishEight thin, evenly spaced black vertical bands on a pale yellow ground

Fun fact

Butterflyfish are famous for their vivid patterns, and there are around 120 species worldwide. Many carry a large eyespot near the tail, which fools a predator into striking at the wrong end of the fish. Most butterflyfish are strictly monogamous, pairing for life and defending a territory together.

More in this family

• Bannerfish
• Foureye Butterflyfish
• Lemon Butterflyfish
• Longnose Butterflyfish
• Saddleback Butterflyfish
• Teardrop Butterflyfish