Fish Lab- Feeding

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Butterflyfish Food
Feeding Ecology of the Chaetodontids

The butterflyfishes can be broken down into a number of different feeding categories. Find out about the feeding ecology of the chaetodontids in this article! Photo by Scott W. Michael

How many of us still get excited about seeing a butterflyfish when we're exploring the species-rich reefs of the Indo-Pacific? While they may not be as odd as a frogfish, as exotic as a ghost pipefish, or as exciting as a pelagic thresher shark, they're still some of the most beautiful fishes that you're likely to encounter in tropical seas. And unlike the aforementioned species you're guaranteed to see one on almost every coral reef dive you make! Perhaps it's because they're so abundant that many of us take the butterflyfishes for granted.

There are around 118 species of butterflyfishes (family Chaetodontidae) currently recognized by ichthyologists. The diets of most consist primarily of benthic invertebrates. However, there are a few species that are omnivorous, consuming algae to varying degrees. The butterflyfishes can be broken down into a number of different feeding categories.

In this CoralRealm feature article, we will explore the feeding ecology of this popular group of coral reef fishes. You will find a description of the different feeding categories represented in the family chaetodontidae, as well as a list of the butterflyfish species that belong to each group. Plus, there is a butterflyfish food habit question and answer section and a slide show with beautiful, professional photos showing members of the various feeding guilds. So what are you waiting for? Dive into CoralRealm!