Interesting Facts About Butterfly Fish

The scientific name for the golden butterfly fish is Chaetodon semilarvatus, according to Whozoo.org. Butterfly fish are commonly found swimming in shallow water near coral reefs, according to National Geographic. Many butterfly fish will exhibit dark stripes around their eyes. There are approximately 114 different species of butterfly fish. Butterfly fish are extremely similar to angel fish. These fish peck at coral reefs all day long in search of worms and other small invertebrates.

  1. Geography

    • The golden butterfly fish is found in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, according to Aquaticcommunity.com. The areas that it inhabits usually have large quantities of coral growth.

    Habitat

    • The golden butterfly fish usually resides near the surface of the water where it looks like it hangs from the surface, according to Whozoo.org. This makes it extremely easy for them to reach their food supply which is flying insects. However, this species can be found swimming anywhere between 10 and 65 feet below the surface.

    Diet

    • The golden butterfly fish eats small flying insects, small fish and meal worms, according to Whozoo.org.

    Size

    • The golden butterfly fish can grow up to eight inches in length at maturity, according to Whozoo.org.

    Characteristics

    • The golden butterfly fish is extremely unique because of its golden yellow color. These fish have large wing-like pectoral fins, according to Whozoo.org. The golden butterfly has a flat back and head. Its dorsal fins are located towards the end of its body. Golden butterfly fish have thread shaped elongated rays on their pelvic fins. These fins act as tactile receptors. These fish have tiger white stripes that run from the top to bottom of their body.

    Function

    • The golden butterfly fish can use its large pectoral fins to jump up from the water and through the air, according to Whozoo.org. This makes them look like they are flying. Golden butterfly fish are usually found traveling in pairs with one another. Some types of golden butterfly fish are thought to be monogomaus.

      Butterfly fish lay eggs to reproduce and usually mate towards dusk. The eggs of these fish develop freely on their own in the water without care from their parents. Sometimes young butterfly fish are different colors from their parents.

      Young larvae of butterfly fish are called tholichthys larvae and actually look like small insects. These larvae are a few centimeters across in length before they develop into mature butterfly fish.