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Fish Shots

Reef butterflyfish

Chaetodon sedentarius

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Fun Facts

Reef butterflyfish have compressed bodies and small mouths that help them eat prey in narrow crevices and maneuver and hide on the reef.

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Reef butterflyfish

Size:

Reef butterflyfish can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.

Diet:

Reef butterflyfish eat worms, shrimp and other small marine invertebrates.

Range & Habitat:

Reef butterflyfish inhabit coral reef communities throughout the western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf and Caribbean Sea.

Details:

Reef butterflyfish have a rectangular shape, a white belly, yellow highlights on their dorsal (top) side, and vertical black stripes through the eyes and the base of the tail. They eat small invertebrate animals and algae. They are often seen in pairs, especially during breeding season. Their courtship behavior includes synchronized swimming.

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