Blog Post Nineteen
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This beautiful fish is the Saddleback Butterflyfish. It’s scientific name is Chaetodon ephippiuum. In Hawaii, they are often referred to as kikakapu, meaning “strongly prohibited” and can be mentioned as sacred in several Hawaiian chants. We have about 25 species of butterflyfish in Hawaii. Most are found in shallow waters of less than 60 feet and can grow up to 1 foot.
They are named for their tooth design (“comb-like” teeth). It is part of the family of Chaetodontidae. Chaeto means hair and dentis means tooth. The butterfly fish can be characterized by their tiny brush-like teeth. Most are carnivores, but the diet varies from species to species. The Saddleback eats corals and small invertebrates.
Some scientists will use the butterflyfish to gauge the health of the reef, since they eat coral polyps. They will typically remain in their territory for about 8-10 years providing that the reef is healthy and not degrading. As such, they can be referred to as an “indicator species”.