Chaetodontidae

The butterfly fishes , or chaetodontidés ( Chaetodontidae ) are a family of fish which meet in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. The name of butterfly fish can apply to the whole family, but is used more especially for the kind Chaetodon and the species of similar form.

They are fish of the coral reefs, which live only in the hot seas: captures took place in the Mediterranean, but it is completely exceptional.

The maximum size of the species in general lies between 12 and 22 centimetres, largest ( Chaetodon lineolatus ) being able to reach 30 centimetres. There are approximately 130 species, divided into 12 kinds.

Their body is rounded and compressed, with a tubular muzzle and of all small teeth (from which they draw their name). Their food generally consists of Corail and invertebrates, like the sea anemones.

These fish generally have very attractive colors, and are thus appreciated in the sea water aquariums. However, much of species are very difficult to nourish, because of their very specialized food.

Distribution

The butterfly fishes live in the hot seas of the sphere in the middle of the reefs and the corals.

Description

The butterfly fishes owe their poetic name with the splendid colors which they carry. Their bodies are generally silver plates with yellow or black colors. Often a black bar makes up the eyes to them. These fish know an intermediate stage before reaching the old adult. At the youthful stage, the young fish different from form and colors and it is frequent that they are marks by a dark spot on both sides of their side whose form can evoquee that of an eye. This spot would have the advantage of frightening the possible predatory ones. The butterfly fishes are small sizes and surplus generally not more than 6 in. some are the species. The typical shape of their body is oval and applatie, their face draws a concave curve to the mouth. This one is small and slightly allongee like a horn.

Food

The fish butterflies nourish themselves in the middle of the reefs of small invertebrates such as the tiny polyps and worms.

List kinds

This list should not be regarded as fixed: there are discussions about it.

Source

Reef Fish Identification Paul Humann Ned Deloach

External bonds

Random links:Cité prohibited | Juan Pacini | The Sully-on-Loire | Ingleby-Mackenzie hake | Olivier Blanchard | Dave Ewing (footballer) | Pont_de_cou_de_Throgs