Butterflyfish

They live on coral reefs and are thin. When seen head on, their bodies are round. They are often brightly colored with yellow, orange and black patterns. Butterflyfish grow to a maximum size of 25cm. Some species mate 'for life', staying faithful to their partner until one of them dies. They belong to the Chaetodontidae family.

Surgeonfish

They are usually about 35 cm. long with round bodies. They also live on coral reefs. The distinguishing feature to look for is one or two spines on the base of the tail. Some members of the family have horns on their heads; these belong to a subfamily commonly called 'unicornfishes'. They always have a single dorsal fin. They belong to the Acanthuridae family.

Goatfish

They are usually seen on sandy seabeds around coral reefs. They are often surrounded by a cloud of sand as they dig for food in the sediment. Look for the barbels on the chin - these are used as sensing organs to find their food (and also by the male to attract female during mating displays). They always have two dorsal fins and a long body shape.

Parrotfish

They are seen around coral heads. The males are usually brightly colored with blues, oranges and greens. Their teeth have been fused together into a "beak" to help them scrape algae from the corals, this why they are commonly called parrotfish. They accidentally eat pieces of coral; these are ground up by special teeth in the throat and later expelled through the anus as sand. In one year, one fish can convert 5 tons of coral to sand! They always have a single dorsal fin.

Wrasse

They often look similar to parrotfish. The cleaner wrasse are usually striped with blue, white and black colors and can be seen at 'stations' over the coral. They clean the parasites from the gills, bodies and even inside the mouths of larger fishes. Male wrasse are usually brightly colored, the females are duller. Many species can change sex from male to female.

Damselfish

They are quite small fishes, usually seen close to the coral heads. They vary a lot in color and shape, some are brightly colored while others are dull with brown or black colors. They have a single dorsal fin. Some species defend their territories against intruders of all sizes, even humans if they get too close!

Source: Nature Camp for High School Students - Facilitators' Handouts Book Two