Facts About Butterfly Fish
Dive into almost any coral reef in the world and you will find yourself surrounded by diverse life forms. From fish to coral, anemones to larger life forms, they all live in complex harmony with one another. One type of fish that is common in coral reef environments is the butterfly fish, and they're also among the most colorful and varied families of fish.
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Identification
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Butterfly fish have flattened bodies with external fins that form an arc over the top of the fish. The bodies of most butterfly fish are a darker color with lighter patterns of spots and stripes.
Types
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There are 114 different species of butterfly fish in the world. They vary mostly in color and body shape, but generally have the same features.
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Movement
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Butterfly fish move by constant strokes of their pectoral fins and use their tails as a rudder. They are able to make quick, sharp movements, which help them avoid predators.
Social Behavior
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Some species of butterfly fish are solitary animals. Others form relationships with one other fish, and the pair travel, hunt and live together their whole life.
Feeding
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Different species of butterfly fish have varying feeding patterns. Some feed on coral polyps, others on algae, while still others prefer small shrimp or plankton.
Size
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All butterfly fish are small, but the size varies among species. Full-size butterfly fish grow to be between 5- and 91/2-inches long.
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