Foureye Butterflyfish © Shedd Aquarium
The Foureye Butterflyfish gets its name from its unique false eyespots, dark black spots towards the rear end of the fish. These spots help to confuse predators into thinking that the rear of the fish is actually the front. The butterflyfish's real eyes are concealed by a dark, vertical bar, which can further mislead a predator. This fish can range from at least three inches up to about six inches in size, and its thin and oval shape helps it to move easily in the water through the flitting and beating of its delicate fins.
The foureye butterflyfish is almost always grazing on small invertebrates in small crevices and cracks in the reef using its small, specialized mouth. It is active during the day, and, at night, it shelters itself in the reef to keep out of the reach of predators.
The foureye butterflyfish is found primarily in the western areas of the Atlantic Ocean. It typically lives in shallower waters of these subtropical regions
- Patton, Casey. "Biological Profiles: Four-eye Butterflyfish." Florida Museum of Natural History.
- http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/ButterflyFour/ButterflyFour.htm
- Wu, Qing Quig. "Species: Chaetodon capistratus foureye butterflyfish." University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Animal Diversity Web.
- http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Chaetodon_capistratus.html
