Butterflyfish flit about the reefs of Bonaire. None of them grow longer than 6 inches. The most abundant species is the banded butterflyfish (bottom photo). They often swim in pairs, and are fairly approachable.
The second most frequently encountered species is the foureye butterflyfish (one photo up from bottom). Their true eye is concealed by a black bar, and the big black spot near the base of the tail is a false eye, to confuse predators.
Next in abundance is the spotfin butterflyfish (two photos up from bottom). Like the first two species, this one lives in fairly shallow water (10 to 60 feet), and is approachable.
Fourth in abundance, the longsnout butterflyfish lives in deeper water (30 to 300 feet) and is very shy and darts behind reef structures when approached. So of course, my photos of it (the top photos) reflect its lack of patience with me.
(Note, these rankings are based on my perceptions on recent dives, not on any scientific sampling.)
No comments:
Post a Comment