UNDERWATER BUTTERFLIES: BAHAMAS REEF FISH (8)
Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) belong to a large worldwide family of small, colourful reef fishes. There are several sorts to be found in the Bahamas, of which 4 are shown below. These creatures resemble small angel fishes, and are invariably vividly coloured, strikingly patterned, or in many cases, both. Apart from that, the most interesting fact about them is that their species name Chaetodontidae derives from a Greek compound noun meaning ‘hair tooth’. This unsettling description relates to the rows of tiny, fine filament-like teeth inside their protuberant mouths. If I ever get a photo of a butterflyfish showing its teeth while feeding or yawning, I will add it here…
FOUR-EYED BUTTERFLYFISH
REEF BUTTERFLYFISH
SPOTFIN BUTTERFLYFISH
BANDED BUTTERFLYFISH
Photo Credit: Melinda Riger, Grand Bahama Scuba
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
Oh and PLEASE let me know if you photograph a butterfly fish yawning!
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😉
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Having been around these parts lately as a change in job has redirected attention, but happy to be dipping my toes back into Abaco waters with this post – beautiful photos of underwater butterflies!
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Oh hi EST, glad you are flying again after a long hibernation, and ready for some quality toe-dipping at Rolling Harbour. Are you still in Regent’s Park (was it?) I wonder? All the best with the new job and the spring hives, and if I get a butterflyfish – or any fish – yawning, you will get a preview. I do in fact have some posts featuring surprising fish activity in store… All the best from RH
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