Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

This fish is found along rocky shores, coral reefs, estuaries and silty inner reefs of the Western Pacific from Andaman Sea to Ryukyu Islands and Australia. It is a favorite of Aquarists and is often seen in aquarium environments. This species of butterflyfish is territorial and will defend an area of the reef from other “invaders”. One reason it protects a particular area of reef is it is monogamous and the pair will set up making a home.

Why the name “butterfly”fish? Most think it’s because of their seemingly endless variety of colors and patterns while others speak of the way they dart in and out of corals like butterflies do in a field of wildflowers. Which ever reason you choose, one thing is for sure, with 115 species of fish in the butterfly family, we will be spending some time learning these fish.