Sealife guideThe Chaetodontidae familyThe taxonomy of marine species
Explore the taxonomy of the sea vertebrates including the cetaceans like the whales or the dolphins, the sea birds, the fish, the sharks and the sea turtles !
The order Acanthuriformes consists of tropical marine fish known for their vibrant colors and diverse shapes, including surgeonfish, angelfish and butterflyfish, commonly found in coral reefs. These species are distinguished by unique features such as sharp spines on their tails or angular body shapes, playing a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of reefs.
The Chaetodontidae family consists of tropical marine fish known as butterflyfish and bannerfish, primarily found in coral reefs. Recognizable by their laterally compressed bodies, vibrant colors and striking patterns often marked with stripes or spots, these fish play a vital role in maintaining the balance and health of coral reef ecosystems.

Banded butterflyfish
(Chaetodon striatus)
(Chaetodon striatus)

Blackback butterflyfish
(Chaetodon melannotus)
(Chaetodon melannotus)

Blacklip butterflyfish
(Chaetodon kleinii)
(Chaetodon kleinii)

Blackwedged butterflyfish
(Chaetodon falcula)
(Chaetodon falcula)

Chevroned butterflyfish
(Chaetodon trifascialis)
(Chaetodon trifascialis)

Copperbanded butterfly
(Chelmon rostratus)
(Chelmon rostratus)

Crown butterflyfish
(Chaetodon paucifasciatus)
(Chaetodon paucifasciatus)

Eastern triangle butterflyfish
(Chaetodon baronessa)
(Chaetodon baronessa)

Eightband butterflyfish
(Chaetodon octofasciatus)
(Chaetodon octofasciatus)

Exquisite butterflyfish
(Chaetodon austriacus)
(Chaetodon austriacus)

Foureye butterflyfish
(Chaetodon capistratus)
(Chaetodon capistratus)

Hooded butterflyfish
(Chaetodon larvatus)
(Chaetodon larvatus)

Horned bannerfish
(Heniochus varius)
(Heniochus varius)

Latticed butterfly
(Chaetodon rafflesii)
(Chaetodon rafflesii)

Longnose butterflyfish
(Forcipiger flavissimus)
(Forcipiger flavissimus)

Masked butterflyfish
(Chaetodon semilarvatus)
(Chaetodon semilarvatus)
Our latestUpdates

Thursday, April 23rd 2026
Where to see groupers in the Mediterranean ?
Discover where to see groupers in the Mediterranean: the best diving spots and protected marine areas to observe this iconic fish in its natural habitat.

Monday, April 20th 2026
The broadnose sevengill shark
Discover the broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus), a large primitive coastal shark with seven gill slits living in temperate and subtropical waters around the world.

Monday, March 2nd 2026
The blueface angelfish
The blueface angelfish is a very colorful fish of the tropical coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, recognizable by its bright blue head and its bluish body finely reticulated with yellow.
Photo of the Day

Sabelle fendue
(Anamobaea oerstedi)
(Anamobaea oerstedi)
