Butterflyfish (Copperband)

About the Butterflyfish (Copperband)

Their long narrow snout is perfectly adapted for picking food from crevices in coral. They have a false eyespot on their dorsal fin that confuses predators about which end is their head. Over 120 species of butterflyfish exist, many with striking patterns. They are obligate corallivores in many species, meaning they eat only coral. This makes them indicator species for reef health. They are often seen in pairs, believed to mate for life. They are among the most colorful reef fish families. Many species are threatened by coral reef decline.