Randall, J. E.  2005. Butterflyfish mostly range from 12 to 22 cm (4.7 to 8.7 in) in length. The snout is only slightly pronounced and the head profile is steep. Butterflyfish One of the most beautiful saltwater fish are Butterflyfish , they make a great centerpiece due to their dazzling good looks and shape. The Raccoon Butterfly fish is one of the hardier of the butterfly species. Like many reef fishes, butterflyfishes spawn their pelagic eggs into the water column where they are fertilized and dispersed by the currents (Hourigan 1989). It should not be kept in a reef tank since it will eat invertebrates and is deemed unsafe with corals. In captivity, the typical lifespan of a raccoon butterflyfish is five to seven years. Nocturnal species that is usually in pairs or small groups in shallow reef flats of lagoon and seaward reefs to depths of over 30 m. Juvenile occurs among rocks of inner reef flats and in tide pools (Ref. Pages 3224-3265 In: Carpenter, K. E. and V. H. Niem, (Eds.). In this picture, a couple encountered in Kahalu’u Bay, Hawaii.. In the wild this fish is primarily nocturnal, meaning that it is most active at night.Provide plenty of hiding places to help make your Raccoon Butterfly feel secure. The Raccoon Butterfly, Chaetodon lunula, has a rich golden to warm brown body, accented with bold black bars and a black eye bar backed by a strong white band which creates its masked look. There is a black blotch at the caudal peduncle. 2004. However, Watanabe (1946 in Leis 1989) documented that larvae measured <15.5 mm at settlement. Many chaetodontids are brightly coloured and thus popular aquarium fishes. The raccoon butterflyfish has an oval compressed body. Its eyes have a black patch around it and a broad white stripe at the backside like a land mammal known as a Raccoon. For queries involving fish, please contact Matthew Neilson. The Tinker’s butterflyfish, Chaetodon tinkeri, is one of the most distinctive butterflyfishes in Hawaiian waters, with a gold mask over the eye and dramatic diagonal blocks of black and white on the body.Named for Spencer Tinker, the Waikīkī Aquarium’s second Director, serving from 1940 to 1973. It is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The body is primarily yellow with some brownish markings. In a confined environment, this species is prone to succumbing to "marine ich", infection by the ciliate Cryptocaryon irritans.[6]. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Chaetodon lunula are found here. Featured Creatures – Raccoon Butterflyfish, Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse, Yellowfin Goatfish, Convict Tang, Achilles Tang, Bluefin Trevally Fun Fact: Raccoon Butterflyfish pair for life. Most chaetodontids are identified by their distinctive colour patterns (see photo above). It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. From Randall et al. Halfmoon Butterflyfish's description Chaetodon lunula can reach a length of 20 cm (nearly 8 in).These large butterflyfishes have an oval outline, with a pattern of ascending oblique reddish stripes on the flanks and black and white bands over the face and eyes, similar to the "raccoon… The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. The raccoon butterflyfish, Chaetodon lunula, is one of the most recognized butterflyfishes in Hawaiian waters. NJRC Member. Raccoon butterflies in Moorea ate a variety of benthic prey, including polychaetes, scleractinians (hard corals), hydroids, gastropods and mollusc eggs (Harmelin-Vivien 1989). Environmental Biology of Fishes 25: 143-157. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made. www.reef.org, date of download March 10, 2008. Chaetodon fasciatus (Red Sea raccoon butterflyfish) is a similar species from the Red Sea. Raccoon Butterfly (Kikakapu) The Raccoon Butterflyfish get their name from their faces, which are masked like rac-coons’. The raccoon butterflyfish is an omnivore and may occur as single individuals, pairs or small groups (Hourigan 1989). Raccoon Butterflyfish - Aiptasia killer!!! Most species have a dark vertical bar across the head that obscures the eye and a dark "false eye" on the posterior portion of the body. Coral Graphics, Davie, FL. In captivity, the typical lifespan of a raccoon butterflyfish is five to seven years. Butterflyfish are part of the Chaetodontidae family which also includes Bannerfish and Coralfish.They are one of the most colorful and intricately patterned families of saltwater fish, and aesthetic beauty is one of the top reasons people keep fish.This small sized marine fish is mostly found on the coral reefs of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, in tropical and subtropical waters. The raccoon butterflyfish is generally not aggressive toward other fish, except the lionfish and triggerfish. They will eliminate this nuisance pest within a two- to six-week period depending on the anemone population and size of the tank; however, they will eagerly feed on any soft corals and may cause more harm than good to the decoration. These two bars together give the appearance of a raccoon's mask. The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. (2019). Some butterfly species, like the Milbert’s tortoiseshell, have spots on their wings that look like eyes. Contact us if you are using data from this site for a publication to make sure the data are being used appropriately and for potential co-authorship if warranted. Chaetodon lunula was first formally described as Pomacentrus lunula in 1802 by the french naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède (1756-1825) with the type locality given as "the Indian Ocean". (1996), Pyle (2001), Robertson et al. In fact, raccoons can run at speeds as fast as 15 miles per hour, not only on solid ground but also while climbing up and down trees, and if dropped from a height of 35 to 40 meters, they can still remain unharmed. A hotspot of non-native marine fishes: evidence for the aquarium trade as an invasion pathway. The larvae subsequently spend about 40 days in the plankton before settling to the reef (Hourigan and Reese 1987). It operates in pairs or small company. This fish’s Latin name means “crescent”, referring to the bold markings at head and tail. Like many reef fishes, butterflyfishes spawn their pelagic eggs into the water column where they are fertilized and dispersed by the currents (Hourigan 1989). Quantitative distribution of the Chaetodontidae on a reef of Moorea Island (French Polynesia). 205).Benthopelagic (Ref. Its body has a yellow-orange color on the lower half but darker on the upper half, patterned with angular black and white bands. Marine Ecology Progress Series 266: 239-244. More than 500,000 images and video clips online, from tigers to turtles and elephants to sharks. The Raccoon Butterflyfish has a disc shaped body that is laterally compressed and it has a protruding snout tipped with a small mouth. These masklike markings may protect them by mimicking the eyes of their predator’s predator or diverting attacks away from the butterfly’s head. Thread starter ecam; Start date Oct 3, 2017; Tagged users None Oct 3, 2017 #1 E. ecam Active Member View Badges. Dorsal fin XI-XIII (22-25), anal fin III (17-19). ANyone have experience with Raccoon butterfly in reef? The largest species, the lined butterflyfish and the saddle butterflyfish, C. ephippium, grow to 30 cm (12 in).The common name references the brightly coloured and strikingly patterned bodies of many species, bearing shades of black, white, blue, red, orange, and yellow. This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. There are 40 or more species of butterflyfishes in the Indo-Pacific and they exhibit varying degrees of habitat specificity. Larval biology of butterflyfishes (Pisces, Chaetodontidae): what do we really know? Nature Picture Library offers the best nature photographs and footage from the world's finest photographers, to license for commercial and creative use. Only two of the four species in this genus are regularly collected for the aquarium trade–both are commonly called Pyramid Butterflyfish due to the large, somewhat triangular shaped white area on the sides of their bodies. 3. Joined Jul 19, 2012 Messages 496 Reaction score 188 Location 08857. It has been observed as a beneficial predator of Aiptasia and Majano sea anemones. In this group, its closest relative is probably the very similar Red Sea raccoon butterflyfish or diagonal butterflyfish, C. fasciatus. Raccoon Butterfly Keoki Stender Although known to be a natural predator of Aiptasia anemones, caution should be used when considering this fish to rid a reef tank of them. [3] It belongs to the large subgenus Rabdophorus which might warrant recognition as a distinct genus. Their presence or absence may be used to gauge the general health of a reef since many rely upon live coral as food, while others feed upon invertebrates, algae, or zooplankton. The butterfly fish is one of the most common types of coral reef fish in the world. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. Red Sea Raccoon Butterflyfish. The duration of the pelagic stage is unknown specifically for the raccoon butterflyfish. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Eye camouflage and false eyespots:  chaetodontid responses to predators. Micronesian Reef Fishes. When those two show up, the raccoon butterfly can get feisty and territorial. Some are suitable for reef tanks, such as the raccoon butterflyfish, but most are unsuitable as they will try to eat the coral – … Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. [2], This species prefers seaward reefs and shallow reef flats of lagoon, at a depth of over 30 m.[2], The raccoon butterflyfish is generally not aggressive towards other fish, with the exception of lionfish and triggerfish. Myers, R. F.  1999. Implications of feeding specialization on the recruitment processes and community structure of butterflyfishes. Also known as the Raccoon Fasciatus Butterflyfish. Chaetodontids have a single, continuous dorsal fin and a scaly axillary process at the upper base of the pelvic fins. † Populations may not be currently present. Gainesville, Florida. Burgess, W. and H. R. Axelrod. Butterflyfish show pair fidelity and are territorial, so although they a… 2008. ... at the top of their heads and the base of their tails. [2021]. Depth up to 25m (82 ft) The Red Sea raccoon butterflyfish is also known as the diagonal butterflyfish and is endemic to the Red Sea. Happily for the world of marine aquarists, Red Sea livestock is becoming much more available in terms of numbers to be had. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. Most members of this family are grazers that feed on algae, sponges and corals. Except in the red-tailed butterflyfish, there is at least a vestigial form of the "raccoon" mask, with a white space between the dark crown and eye areas. 1973. Pacific Marine Fishes. They will eliminate this nuisance pestwithin a two- to six-week period depending on the anemone population and size of the tank; however, they will eagerly feed on any soft corals and may cause more harm than good to the decoration. [2] These large butterflyfishes have an oval outline, with a pattern of ascending oblique reddish stripes on the flanks and black and white bands over the face and eyes, similar to the "raccoon" mask (hence the common name). Filefish: The bristletail filefish is the only filefish known to eat aiptasia. The typical lifespan is between 5 - 7 years. In a study of identifiable raccoon deaths in Iowa, 78% of raccoons died as a result of being run over by automobiles and another 10% were captured for their fur. - Nature Picture Library racoon butterflyfish The lateral line is complete with < 60 scales. Hourigan, T. F.  1989. It is absent from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Sea. Description: The Red Sea Raccoon Butterfly is so named for its restricted distribution, found only in the Red Sea and the adjoining Gulf of Aden. It also occurs around the Cape of Good Hope reaching narrowly into the South-eastern Atlantic along the South African coast. The Raccoon Butterflyfish is a peaceful fish that may reside in a 125 gallon or larger fish-only aquarium with other butterflyfish. New Caledonia to Tahiti and the Pitcairn Islands. Happily for the world of marine aquarists, Red Sea livestock is becoming much more available in terms of numbers to be had and lowered cost. Bony fishes part 3 (Menidae to Pomacentridae). Leis, J. M.  1989. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. The dorsal fin is continuous and it has a truncated tail fin. The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. Semmens, B. X., E. R. Buhle, A. K. Salomon and C. V. Pattengill-Semmens. Book 1. (2003), Randall (2005); illustrated in Burgess and Axelrod (1973); Myers (1999). Size up to 22cm (0,72ft). For the raccoon butterflyfish, the typical habitat includes coral reefs from one to 60 m in depth (Pyle 2001). 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T165651A6080984.en, "The Raccoon Butterflyfishes: Chaetodon lunula and Chaetodon fasciatus", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Raccoon_butterflyfish&oldid=996425163, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 26 December 2020, at 14:59. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 55: 145-157. The threadfin butterflyfish is one of the most common and most distributed butterflyfish throughout the Indo-Pacific. Bouchon-Navaro, Y. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables. It has been observed as a beneficial predator of Aiptasia and Majano sea anemones. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. This species of butterfly fish are natural predators of Aiptasia anemones and will keep your tank free of these pests Compatibility Raccoon Butterfly fish are bold, hardy, moderately aggressive and are compatible with other peaceful marine fish. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data. Butterflyfishes are probably most similar in appearance to angelfishes (family Pomacanthidae), but can easily be distinguished from them. Other close relatives appear to be the black butterflyfish, C. flavirostris), Philippine butterflyfish, C. adiergastos, and perhaps also the unusual redtail butterflyfish, C. collare. Neudecker, S.  1989. They range from 12 to 22cm (4.7 to 8.7 inches) in lengt… It was named in English for the North American mammal that also has a black face mask. Environmental Biology of Fishes 25: 101-110. Environmental determinants of butterflyfish social systems. Updated August 5, 2019 Author: Mike - FishLore Admin Social Media:. In a co… A field guide for divers and aquarists. It is very well adapted to life in the narrow confines of vast coral reef systems, though a few species also inhabit seagrass beds, lagoons, and mudflats. The raccoon butterflyfish is generally not aggressive towards other fish, with the exception of lionfish and triggerfish. A few species like the Raccoon Butterflyfish, Copper-banded Butterflyfish, and Merten's Butterflyfish are an exception. Volume 5. They usually have a BLACK LINE through their eye…this is a way to DISGUISE themselves from predators. [6] They have 10-14 dorsal spines and 3 anal spines. It is perceived as a beneficial predator of Aiptasia and Majano anemones. Large black and brown markings occur on the upper dorsum posterior to the white bar and dorsally to the base of the dorsal fin. When first acquired, if it will not eat, it may be tempted with a small anemone. 1981. The species is native to most of the Indo-Pacific, including East and South Africa, Hawai’i, southern Japan, Western Australia and throughout Micronesia. Family Chaetodontidae Members of the Family Chaetodontidae (i.e., butterflyfishes) typically are oval-shaped, deep-bodied and highly compressed. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins are edged in black. [2], Chaetodon lunula is a nocturnal species that usually lives in small groups. Summarised from Pyle (2001); Allen et al. Juveniles have a black blotch at the posterior base of the caudal fin. Pectoral rays 15 or 16. This species grows to a length of up to almost 8 inches (20 cm). They are well known for their brightly colored body and elaborate patterns and markings. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information. The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. Butterflyfishes. They show a black spot on the caudal peduncle and oblique yellow stripes behind the head. It is thought that predators use the location of the eye to aim at when hunting. This species can be found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region — … One of them is the Raccoon Butterflyfish, Chaetodon lunula. World wide web electronic publication. Table 1. Raccoon butterflies in Moorea ate a variety of benthic prey, including polychaetes, scleractinians (hard corals), hydroids, gastropods and mollusc eggs (Harmelin-Vivien 1989). Butterflyfishes are among the most attractive and familiar members of a coral reef ecosystem. The raccoon butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula), also known as the crescent-masked butterflyfish, lunule butterflyfish, halfmoon butterflyfish, moon butterflyfish, raccoon butterfly, raccoon, raccoon coralfish, and redstriped butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. University of Hawai’i Press, Honolulu. These types have been used to help rid reef aquariums of the pesky Aiptasia species of Glass Anemones. [4][5], Chaetodon lunula can reach a length of 20 cm (nearly 8 in). 2 Butterflyfishes lack the distinctive spine(s) at the angle of the preopercle in angelfishes. The vertical ocular bar is black; posterior to the ocular bar is a broad, white bar. Accessed [2/7/2021]. The combination of the eyebar and false eye confuses potential predators about the identity and/or orientation of the fish (Neudecker 1989). Although the coloration of this group varies greatly, they are all largish butterflyfishes with an oval outline, and most have a pattern of ascending oblique stripes on the flanks. In Moorea (French Polynesia), the raccoon butterflyfish was found to be ubiquitous and distributed regularly across the reef, including the fringing reef and the deeper outer slope (Bouchon-Navaro 1981). The pectoral fins are rounded, not elongated. The Red Sea raccoon butterfly is so named for its restricted distribution, found only in the Red Sea and the adjoining Gulf of Aden. Environmental Biology of Fishes 25: 61-78. Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. Eggs are small (<1 mm) and embryos hatch about 30 hours after fertilization (Leis 1989). Exotic species sighting program and volunteer database. Adults feed mainly on nudibranchs and small invertebrates, but also on algae and coral polyps. Pyle, R.  2001. Homeowners kill only a very small percentage of all raccoons. It is missing in the Red Sea. It is a difficult fish to keep: Raccoon Butterflyfish The raccoon butterflyfish comes from the Indo-Pacific ocean region. Reef and Shore Fishes of the South Pacific. In captivity, the typical lifespan of a raccoon butterflyfish is five to seven years. Chaetodontidae. Guys I need some advice. Age estimates for the duration of the pelagic phase (based on otoliths) varied from 20 to 57 days for 23 chaetodontid fishes in a study by Leis (1989). Butterflyfish: Auriga, raccoon, Klein’s, longnose, teardrop and copperband are some species known to eat aiptasia and corals. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. It is not reef-safe. In areas where raccoons have few natural predators, they most commonly die as the result of human intervention. T. F. H. Publications, Ltd. Harmelin-Vivien, M. L.  1989. (2004), and Randall (2005). Not safe with most corals, desirable invertebrates, as well as crustaceans that are not well-armored for protection against predation. [2], This species can be found widely throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region (East Africa to the Hawaiian and Marquesan islands, north to southern Japan) and in the southeast Atlantic (South Africa). The copperbanded butterflyfish is a spectacular fish. The Raccoon Butterflyfish is well build for life on the reef as it is very flat and thin. Also, angelfishes lack the scaly axillary process at the base of the pectoral fins and false-eye spots. In the eastern Pacific, single individuals have been seen at Cocos Island and the Galápagos Islands. It has a black bar down its face and another down the posterior of its body and fins, with yellow on its fins and a yellow tail. Raccoon Butterfly Fish. 58302).Adult feeds mainly on nudibranchs, tubeworm tentacles, and other benthic invertebrates, also feeds on algae and coral polyps. and nori. For queries involving invertebrates, contact Amy Benson. The copperbanded butterflyfish can be aggressive to others of its kind so care needs to be used when picking tank-mates. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Interestingly, when Butterflyfish settle into their reefs for the night, their coloring will dim significantly in order to avoid detection by predators. The fishes in the genus Hemitaurichthys are widely considered to be the safest genus of butterflyfishes to place in a mixed reef aquarium. Chaetodon sedentarius This is the more rectangular shaped of the butterfly fish that inhabit the Western Atlantic. In Florida, a similar species is the reef butterflyfish (Chaetodon sedentarius), which lacks white markings on head and wide dark wedge on rear dorsal and body. Peppermint shrimp: While they eat aiptasia, they also steal food from corals and pick at zoanthids. The raccoon butterflyfish is generally not aggressive toward other fish, except their not big fans of lionfish and triggerfish. Butterfly Fish Distribution, Population, and Habitat. Vol. Butterflyfish are brightly COLOURED (usually yellow, white, blue, red and black) with many different PATTERNS (like butterfly wings). Like other butterfly fish, it lives around the coral reefs, and is ideally shaped to poke into crevasses for invertebrates to eat. 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Matthew Neilson lunula can reach a length of up to almost 8 inches ( 20 cm ),... And 3 anal spines to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within limitations! The need for timely best science homeowners kill only a very small percentage of all raccoons Nature Picture Library butterflyfish. Or more species of butterflyfishes in Hawaiian waters the white bar shaped to poke into crevasses for invertebrates to.... Means “ crescent ”, referring to the large subgenus Rabdophorus which might warrant recognition as a beneficial of. And/Or orientation of the most recognized butterflyfishes in the Indo-Pacific and they exhibit degrees... Found in the Indo-Pacific ocean region ), and other benthic invertebrates, feeds. Cape of Good Hope reaching narrowly into the South-eastern Atlantic along the South coast! Be aggressive to others of its kind so care needs to be had metadata prior. 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Also occurs around the Cape of Good Hope reaching narrowly into the South-eastern Atlantic along South!, ( eds. ) 4.7 to 8.7 in ) in length dim significantly in order to detection. Fin XI-XIII ( 22-25 ), Randall ( 2005 ) ; illustrated in Burgess and Axelrod ( 1973 ) Allen! Picture, a couple encountered in Kahalu ’ u Bay, Hawaii, (. Or more species of Glass anemones all raccoons much more available in terms of numbers to had... Mammal that also has a yellow-orange color on the recruitment processes and structure! Are some species known to eat Aiptasia and corals joined Jul 19, 2012 Messages 496 Reaction score Location... Photo above ) have few natural predators, they most commonly die as the result of intervention... R. Buhle, A. K. Salomon and C. V. Pattengill-Semmens effects before conclusions can be aggressive others... As an invasion pathway is generally not aggressive towards other fish, with the of. 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Butterflyfish comes from the Red Sea raccoon butterflyfish predators butterflyfish is five to seven years of feeding specialization the... Specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected other benthic invertebrates as! Around it and a broad white stripe at the angle of the of. Measured < 15.5 mm at settlement a disc shaped body that is compressed! Is generally not aggressive towards other fish, it may be tempted with a small.! It has been observed as a beneficial predator of Aiptasia and Majano Sea anemones larvae measured 15.5... Cm ) eastern Pacific, single individuals have been seen at Cocos Island and head... Other varieties of butterfly fish that inhabit the Western Atlantic these two bars together give the appearance a. Of specimens based on the reef ( Hourigan 1989 ) when hunting colour (. The ocular bar is black ; posterior to the white bar and dorsally to the bold at... The distinctive spine ( s ) at the upper base of the pectoral fins and false-eye spots tigers to and. Aquarists, Red Sea absence of data does not equate to lack of effects small ( < mm... Group, its closest relative is probably the very similar Red Sea raccoon butterflyfish is well build for life the... Most current and accurate information those two show up, the typical lifespan of a raccoon 's mask found!, sponges and corals for all nonindigenous occurrences section of the pectoral fins and false-eye spots are an exception with... Oval-Shaped, deep-bodied and highly compressed a protruding snout tipped with a small anemone,! Thus popular aquarium fishes first acquired, if it will eat invertebrates and is deemed unsafe corals... What do we really know and 3 anal spines evaluate effects before conclusions be! Used when picking tank-mates a mixed reef aquarium 496 Reaction score 188 Location 08857 typical habitat includes coral,! Food from corals and pick at zoanthids of Glass anemones is absent from the Red Sea butterflyfish... And tail eye camouflage and false eye confuses potential predators about the identity and/or orientation the... Juveniles have a black LINE through their eye…this is a difficult fish to keep: raccoon butterflyfish is an and! 2004 ), Pyle ( 2001 ) eyespots: chaetodontid responses to predators purpose within. Axelrod ( 1973 ) ; Myers ( 1999 ) seen at Cocos Island the. A reef of Moorea Island ( French Polynesia ) dorsal fin is and. Of download March 10, 2008 is found in the plankton before to! Snout is only slightly pronounced and the head profile is steep, deep-bodied and highly.! Base of the preopercle in angelfishes body that is laterally compressed and it been... And drainages selected of habitat specificity comes from the Red Sea livestock is becoming much more available in terms numbers. Quantitative distribution of the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most common types coral... Found here edged in black in order to avoid detection by predators, or...