Butterfly fish

bigstock-Colorful-Butterfly-fish-47469109Butterfly fish mimic the diverse colors and body patterns of butterflies. There are well over 100 species of these dazzling fish, which are also similar in appearance to angelfish. They are usually found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Distinctive wide stripes often appear around the eyes, with eye spots appearing elsewhere on the body. Their lateral bodies make these fish able to quickly navigate the reefs where they live. They change color at night when hiding in crevices.

Butterfly fish spawn by releasing eggs that become part of a plankton. The eggs then float until they hatch. They grow on average to about eight and half inches and feed mostly on sea anemones and coral polyps.


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© Copyright Vince Capone 2013