Family: Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfish)

Traits

Dear Lykkers. The banded butterflyfish, also known as the banded mariposa, is a relatively small fish with a circular appearance when viewed from the side. Its dorsal, caudal contribute to this circular shape. The fish can be yellow or white with darker stripes, usually black, which may hide its eye. The name Chaetodontidae means "bristle-toothed," while striatus refers to the dark vertical stripes on its body. Its body is covered with small ctenoid (rounded) scales, and it has a short, pointed snout. The species has 6-16 dorsal spines, 15-30 dorsal soft rays, and 15 rays in its caudal fin. It can grow to a length of 9-30 cm at maturity and is sexually monomorphic (males and females look alike), though males are sometimes slightly larger.

Distribution

The banded butterflyfish is predominantly found in tropical waters ranging from Massachusetts south to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is present in Caribbean countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Habitat and Activity

The banded butterflyfish inhabits marine or saltwater environments, often in shallow tropical waters around coral reefs. It can remain in the same habitat for up to five years with its partner. Some individuals are also found in temperate waters, estuaries, or shallow lagoons. As a diurnal species, it is active during the day and sleeps at night. During the day, the butterflyfish forages either alone, in pairs, or in schools of up to 20 individuals. At night, it becomes less active and takes shelter to avoid predators like green moray eels, sharks, and other fish. The species engages in joint territorial advertisement, defending its territory in pairs with mutual partner guarding.

Food and Feeding

The banded butterflyfish is a benthic predator and can be either carnivorous or omnivorous. It primarily feeds on tube worms, sea anemones, crustaceans, and corals. It also consumes parasites found on fish like parrotfish and surgeonfish and occasionally plankton. The fish uses its bristle-like teeth to access prey and spends about 11.5 hours daily feeding, starting just after sunrise and ending just before nightfall. Foraging activity lasts longer in pairs than when individuals feed alone.

Population Ecology

This species is typically social and forms monogamous, stable pairs that may last a lifetime. Occasionally, individuals can be found in schools. It is abundant in nature, with a lifespan of three years or more.

Reproduction

Mating in this species is monogamous, with courtship involving energetic circling and chasing. Spawning occurs at dusk and may happen year-round in tropical waters. In temperate waters, spawning begins in winter and early spring or midsummer. The female releases 3,000-4,000 small pelagic eggs, which hatch into transparent tholichthys larvae within a day. These larvae are protected by bony plates. After growing to the size of a small coin, juveniles settle at the bottom at night. No parental care is provided, though juveniles may occasionally stay near grown pairs.

Behaviour

Juvenile banded butterflyfish differ in appearance from grown ones. They are brownish to yellow with a large, ringed black spot at the base of the dorsal fin, which acts as a false eye to confuse predators. Juveniles are typically solitary and found in seagrass beds. Adults defend against predators using visual and tactile techniques, such as fleeing or assuming aggressive stances. They also communicate visually by swimming up and down to attract their partner's attention.

Applied Ecology

The banded butterflyfish is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its abundance and wide range. Populations are present in several marine protected areas. This species is popular with divers and aquarists, often traded in aquarium stores and pet shops. No negative impact on humans has been reported.