Shore Buddies Wisdom Wednesday 04/28/2021
Photo by Manuela Kirschner
There are 120 species of butterfly fish that inhabit coral reefs in the warm, tropical waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Butterfly fish can reach up to 8 inches in length, but typically range from around 3 to 6 inches. These fish got their name because of their coloring. They can be black, orange, yellow, silver, red, and white and have different patterns on their bodies. Many species of Butterfly fish have black stripes and spots that serve to confuse and distract their predators. Butterfly fish have elongated noses that help them reach in cracks and crevices of rocks to eat. Their diet consists of both meat and plants. They generally eat a combination of algae, seaweed, worms, crustaceans, and zooplankton. They are diurnal animals, meaning they are active during the day and rest in rocks and coral reefs at night. Most species live in schools, or groups of other fish, but certain species live in solitary until they find a mating partner. These species mate for life once they find a partner.