The members of the family Chaetodontidae, popularly know as butterflyfishes, coralfishes and bannerfishes. Most species of butterflyfish live in the warm tropical seas of the Indo-Pacific (about 90%) with the remainder in the Atlantic. Only a few species are found in subtropical waters, bordering onto subtemperate zones. The butterflyfish have a highly compressed body in which the back is raised , forming an elongate-oval to near circular shape in some; a small protactible mouth with brush-like teeth in the jaws; a continuous dorsal fin with strong and sharp spines in the anterior section, followed by a large-surface soft part; an anal fin mirroring the soft part of the dorsal fin , headed by 3-5 strong spines, of which the 2nd is often greatly enlarged.
Haw. Orange Stripe Butterfly
01150
Butterflies
Haw. Orange Stripe Butterfly
Chaetodon multicinctus
Care:
IntermediateDiet:
OmnivorousLight:
MediumPlace of origin:
Central PacificOnly known from the Hawaiian and Johnston Islands. Occurs on coral reefs, on sheltered reefs and in lagoons to about 30m depth. Usually in pairs, sometimes forming small aggregations. Feeds primarily on coral polyps, but also consumes a variety of other invertebrates and algae. Readily identified by its pale body with numerous dusky spots and 5-6 dusky bands. Length to 12cm.
Share: