Diskripsi dan Ecology

Butterflyfish mostly have sizes ranging from 12-22 cm long. Butterflyfish largest species is the striped species and butterfly species saddle (leadership Monalisa), C. Ephippium, growing to 30 cm (12 in.). The kind that are generally brightly colored and conspicuous, some species have a variety of shades, shades of black, white, blue, red, orange and yellow. Other species there is a less attractive color. There are many spots on his side and a dark line on the eye, not unlike the patterns on butterfly wings. Having a flat body shape can be easily mnyesuaikan with coral reef life. Butterflyfish striking colors may be intended for communication between species. Butterflyfish has a dorsal fin connects to the rounded tail fin or separated with a tail, but never branched.

Generally diurnal and frequenting the waters of less than 18 meters (although some species down to 180 meters), Butterflyfish stay somewhere in the range of time. The corallivores very territorial, mating pairs memencari and seize certain reef areas. Contrastingly, which eat zooplankton form large groups alike. At night Butterflyfish hide in the crevices of coral by showing a very different color.

The color of the fish also makes Butterflyfish popular aquarium fish. However, most species eat coral polyps and sea anemones. Balancing between prey and predator populations are relatively complex, so aquarists to focus more on zooplankton-eating fish.

Butterflyfish are pelagic layer, that is, they put a lot of eggs floating in the water which become part of the plankton, floating with the currents until they hatch.