Butterflyfish

on July 31, 2007
Polar Bear

Design

The butterflyfish is a laterally thin fish. This shape allows it to maneuver through the coral reef with relative ease. It also allows it to chase its prey into the coral. This design, given to the creature’s original created kind by its Creator, shows His care.

Features

  • Butterflyfish are named for their brightly-colored and patterned bodies, which can be shades of red, blue, white, black, orange, and yellow.
  • Many species exhibit dark eyespots on their sides and dark bands across their eyes.

Fun Facts

  • The largest butterflyfish species grows up to 11.8 in (30 cm).
  • The color of a butterflyfish looks different at night than it does during the day.
  • They are some of the most conspicuous of the coral reef fishes.
  • The butterflyfish is typically diurnal.
  • Most species occur as male/female pairs that may stay together for several years, or even for life.

CLASS: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)

ORDER: Perciformes (perch-like fishes)

FAMILY: Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes)

GENUS/SPECIES: 127 species in 11 genera

Size: 4.7–8.5 in (12–21.5 cm)

Depth: Mostly less than 60 ft (18 m);

some species up to 590 ft (180 m)

Diet: Coral polyps, crustaceans, and algae

Habitat: Coral reefs of the oceans

Aquarium Guide

With fun facts about more than 100 animals, this long-awaited Aquarium Guide includes beautiful pictures and reveals the incredible facts and design features that point to our amazing Creator. This handy size guide is excellent for school field trips and family trips to your favorite aquarium!

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