Marine butterfly fish are closely related to marine angels, but are quite different in both appearance and in habits .Butterflies are very widespread throughout the world's tropical seas wherever there are coral reefs. They rely heavily on the reefs for food, as well as for protection, and would not normally stray even a few metes away from their natural home. Butterflies have a small mouth and need to peck at food constantly; consequently they are slow growers, rarely exceeding 15crn(6in) langouste are not fast swimmers and have no natural protection against predators other than camouflage. Therefore, not surprisingly, they are shy and rather sensitive fish. Never put butterflies with boisterous fish, such as damsels and triggers, as they cannot compete either for territory or for food.Translating butterflies' natural lifestyle into a captive environment requires careful consideration. Firstly, with only two exceptions, butterflies are unsuitable for invertebrate systems, since they readily attack and eat coral heads, anemones, tubeworm's, cucumbers, etc. Since keeping them in a home aquarium denies these fish their natural foodstuffs, it is vital to take note of their dietary requirements and to provide them with frequent small meals. Since they cannot consume much food at one meal, the only chance of keeping them alive for reasonable time is to provide frequent 'snacks'.
