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)
Banded butterflyfish
(Chaetodon striatus)
Blackback butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus)
Blackback butterflyfish
(Chaetodon melannotus)
Blacklip butterflyfish (Chaetodon kleinii)
Blacklip butterflyfish
(Chaetodon kleinii)
Blackwedged butterflyfish (Chaetodon falcula)
Blackwedged butterflyfish
(Chaetodon falcula)
Chevroned butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifascialis)
Chevroned butterflyfish
(Chaetodon trifascialis)
Copperbanded butterfly (Chelmon rostratus)
Copperbanded butterfly
(Chelmon rostratus)
Crown butterflyfish (Chaetodon paucifasciatus)
Crown butterflyfish
(Chaetodon paucifasciatus)
Eastern triangle butterflyfish (Chaetodon baronessa)
Eastern triangle butterflyfish
(Chaetodon baronessa)
Eightband butterflyfish (Chaetodon octofasciatus)
Eightband butterflyfish
(Chaetodon octofasciatus)
Exquisite butterflyfish (Chaetodon austriacus)
Exquisite butterflyfish
(Chaetodon austriacus)
Foureye butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus)
Foureye butterflyfish
(Chaetodon capistratus)
Hooded butterflyfish (Chaetodon larvatus)
Hooded butterflyfish
(Chaetodon larvatus)
Horned bannerfish (Heniochus varius)
Horned bannerfish
(Heniochus varius)
Latticed butterfly (Chaetodon rafflesii)
Latticed butterfly
(Chaetodon rafflesii)
Longnose butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus)
Longnose butterflyfish
(Forcipiger flavissimus)
Masked butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus)
Masked butterflyfish
(Chaetodon semilarvatus)

Our latestUpdates

The banded sea snake
Monday, August 11th 2025
The banded sea snake
The coloration of the banded sea snake, also known as the yellow-lipped sea snake, is distinctive with alternating black bands and bluish to grayish areas. The tip of its head, limited to its upper lip, is yellowish.
The princess parrotfish
Thursday, August 7th 2025
The princess parrotfish
The princess parrotfish stands out with a coloration fit for a princess, featuring a dominant bluish hue, with yellow along the central part of its body near the pelvic fins, transitioning into green. Two blue bands run across its head on either side of its eyes.
The batwing coral crab
Monday, August 4th 2025
The batwing coral crab
Discover the batwing coral crab, an iconic species of Caribbean coral reefs, recognizable by its smooth red shell speckled with white and cream.
Photo of the Day
Flabelline mauve (Flabellina affinis)
Flabelline mauve
(Flabellina affinis)