Threadfin butterflyfish

Biology

This butterflyfish is very common in coral reefs. It may be found singly, in pairs and, when searching for food, in schools. They are easily differentiated from other butterflyfishes by the black spot on the caudal fin, which acts as a false eye and confuses both predator and prey about the position of their body.

Conservation

The populations on the Great Barrier Reef and in French Polynesia have exhibited significant declines in population following extensive coral loss.

Curiosities

They mate with one partner, maintaining the relationship for several years.