Reef Butterflyfish [Reproduction, Diet, and Characteristics]

Reef Butterflyfish is a type of marine fish with the scientific name Chaetodon sedentarius.

It has other names like Least Butterflyfish, Atlantic Butterflyfish, Butterbun, and School Mistress.

This fish belongs to the family Chaetodontidae and is found in the western Atlantic Ocean. It lives in coral reefs and has a specific diet.

Reef butterflyfish mainly eat eggs from the Abudefduf saxatilis, but also enjoy worms, shrimps, amphipods, and hydroids. This fish is safe for coral reefs.

You can check out what this fish looks like over here.

Reef Butterflyfish Interesting Facts

Reef butterflyfish are found in the western and eastern Atlantic, living near coral reefs at depths of 5 to 92 meters.
Their diet consists mainly of Abudefduf saxatilis eggs, along with worms, shrimps, amphipods, and hydroids.
They reach up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) long.
During the breeding season, these fish form pairs. They are an egg-laying species.

Reef Butterflyfish Habitat

Reef butterflyfish is found in the Western Atlantic.

Its habitat ranges from North Carolina, USA to northern South America, including areas like the eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It’s also found in the Eastern Atlantic.

This fish is typically found living near reefs and has a depth range of 5 to 92 meters (16 to 302 feet), but it’s usually seen between 15 to 40 meters (49 to 131 feet) deep.

Reef butterflyfish lives in subtropical waters with a latitude range of 36°N to 25°S and a longitude range of 98°W to 33°W.

Water Temperature:	Unknown
Water pH:	Unknown
Water Hardness:	Unknown

Reef Butterflyfish Physical Characteristics

Size: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters)

Reef butterflyfish grows up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) long. This fish has 13 to 14 dorsal spines and 20 to 22 dorsal soft rays.

It also has three anal spines and 17 to 19 anal soft rays. The back scales have yellowish edges, while the head features a black stripe through the eye.

A wide black bar stretches across the tail base, extending into both the dorsal fin above and the anal fin below. The tail fin is light yellow with a white base.