ButterflyfishesChaetodontidae

Butterflyfishes are small to medium-sized, laterally compressed fish, often disc-shaped, typically reaching 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 in) in length. Most species display bright, contrasting colour patterns of yellow, white, black, and orange, often with dark vertical bands through the eye or an ocellus (eye-spot) near the tail.

These diurnal fish are common residents of shallow coral reefs, reef slopes, and outer drop-offs, generally observed from the surface down to 60 m (200 ft). They typically live in monogamous pairs or small groups, though some species are solitary. Their diet varies; many species feed on coral polyps, while others consume benthic invertebrates, small crustaceans, algae, or zooplankton. The family name Chaetodontidae, meaning 'bristle tooth', refers to their brush-like mouths, adapted for nipping small food items from reef structures.