One of the most ubiquitous fish species in the waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, the butterflyfish is a striking member of the Chaetodontidae family, a name that has Greek roots referring to the brush-like teeth in their tiny mouths. Of course, their common English name comes from their resemblance to the wings of a butterfly, often featuring an eye spot. Butterflyfish can sometimes be mistaken for angelfish, but one characteristic will help discern its identity: the tail fins of the butterflyfish will never be pronged. Because most species feed on coral polyps and sea anemones, butterflyfish are a common sight in healthy coral reefs. Here are just a few of the approximately 120 species of butterflyfish.
Diagonal (Yellow) and Threadfin (White)
via Andreas März
Copperband
via Ed Townend
Pyramid
via ScubaGeek
Saddleback
via randychiu
Raccoon
via brian.gratwicke
Teardrop
via Paul and Jill
Ornate
via Vlad & Marina Butsky
Lined
via troymckaskle
Masked
via Derek Keats
Latticed
via Paul and Jill
Forceps
via laszlo-photo
Longfin Bannerfish
via quinet
Semilavartus and copper band
Pyramids
The ones that swim! I’m an equal opportunity butterfly fish lover!
I love Butterfly Shrimp, with butter and garlick over pasta !!!
I love the black longnose ones found only in Hawaii…that amazes me how they will go back to yellow in aquarium tanks but stay black in Kona waters.
On my recent trip to Fiji, I became enamored with the Dot and Dash Butterflyfish…so lovely…though the Ornates are nice too.
The next one! Cuz that means I’m diving in the tropics!
The spotted butterfly fish especially if it’ in Rhode Island. That’s right. Sometimes in the Fall the Gulf stream sweeps them up this far.
The spotted butterfly fish especially if it’ in Rhode Island. That’s right. Sometimes in the Fall the Gulf stream sweeps them up this far.
The spotted butterfly fish especially if it’ in Rhode Island. That’s right. Sometimes in the Fall the Gulf stream sweeps them up this far.
The spotted butterfly fish especially if it’ in Rhode Island. That’s right. Sometimes in the Fall the Gulf stream sweeps them up this far.
4 eyed