Reef butterflyfish
📖 Overview
Inhabit coral reefs. Prefer to feed on eggs of Abudefduf saxatilis but also on polychaete worms, shrimps, amphipods and hydroids. Oviparous . Form pairs during breeding .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20 - 22; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 17 - 19. Edges of the scales yellowish on back; a black bar on head through eye; a broad blackish bar across caudal peduncle which extends into soft portions of dorsal fin above and anal fin below; caudal fin light yellow, white at base .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Reef butterflyfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 92 m , usually 15 - 40 m . Subtropical; 36°N - 25°S, 98°W - 33°W North Carolina, USA to northern South America, including the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
🌿 Ecology
eggs of Abudefduf saxatilis (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Reef butterflyfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 218 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Reef butterflyfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Butterbun · Katy · Least Butterflyfish · Reef Butterflyfish · School Mistress |
| 🏳️Catalan | Peix papallona d'escull |
| 🌍CES | klipka stálá |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Rev-fanefisk |
| 🇩🇪German | Karibischer Riff-Falterfisch |
| 🇫🇷French | Poisson-papillon sédentaire |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce farfalla sedentario |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Kuroobi-chochouo · クロオビチョウチョウウオ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Borboleta-mariposa · Peixe-borboleta · Peixe-borboleta-namorado |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Isabelita Negra · Mariposa · Pez Mariposa de Arrecife · mariposa parche · parche mariposa |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaetodon gracilis | Günther | 1860 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Reef butterflyfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 18 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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