Marshall
Islands Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae)
Butterflyfish are among the more
conspicuous elements of the reefs at Kwajalein. Many species occur on virtually
all lagoon, pinnacle and seaward reefs. They are generally fairly large and
colorful, and usually wander about in the open during the day, most either defending
a territory or wandering over a home range. Many species eat coral polyps, although
a number of them feed on algae or benthic invertebrates such as small crustaceans
and worms. Some species have a varied diet that includes a number of different
kinds of foods. Although they have interesting colors and a usually non-aggressive
nature, most butterflies do not do well in aquaria. Several of those that feed
upon coral polyps will
eat nothing else, making them very hard to maintain. Some of the home rangers
with a more catholic diet really require more room to move around than they
typically get in an aquarium. These pages show all the species currently known
from Kwajalein, with the possible exception of Chaetodon tinkeri, but
this is discussed under Chaetodon
burgessi. It is possible that unrecorded species exist deeper than
sport diving depths. Unless otherwise noted, sizes given are maximum sizes for
the species listed in Fishbase,
not necessarily the size of the figured specimen.
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