The Butterflyfish or Chaetodontidae Family have one hundred thirty-one global members that have been placed in twelve genera. There are ten Butterflyfish in Mexican waters, six in the Atlantic Ocean and four in the Pacific Ocean. In Mexico, they are known collectively as peces mariposa. They are a group of very attractive marine fish found in shallow-reef areas of the tropical and subtropical parts of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are similar to the Angelfishes (Pomacanthidae Family) and the Moorish Idol (Zanclidae Family).

Butterlyfishes have strongly compressed oval disc-like bodies with a short, pointed snout with a small mouth equipped with bands of small, slender, brush-like teeth on both jaws. Most have strikingly patterned bodies, bearing shades of black, white, blue, red, orange, and yellow making them very conspicuous residents of the reef. Some species however, are dull in color. Many have a dark band across the eye and an “eyespot” dorsally, not unlike the patterns seen on butterfly. Their identification is straightforward due to the unusual body profiles and color patterns. They range in length from 12 cm (4.7 inches) to 22 cm (8.7 inches). They all have 3 to 5 anal spines with 14 to 23 rays, caudal fins that are rounded or straight with 15 branched rays, a continuous dorsal fin with 6 to 16 spines and 15 to 30 rays. The rear edges of the anal and dorsal fins are bluntly angular and the caudal fin is either rounded or straight. Their bodies are covered with rough scales with the scales extending into the anal and dorsal fin. They have incomplete highly arched lateral lines that end under the soft dorsal fin.

Most Butterflyfish are found in the vicinity of coral reefs at depths up to 18 m (60 feet). They are active diurnally with a limited home range. At night they change to darker colors and take shelter at night to avoid predation. They consume live coral and sea anemones. Many feed on a combination of coelenterate polyps or tentacles, small invertebrates, fish eggs, and filamentous algae while others are specialists or planktivores. Reproduction in Butterflyfish occurs with highly territorial mated pairs. Butterflyfish are pelagic spawners and classified as nonguarders that release buoyant eggs that hatch within a day. A large number of their larvae fall victim to bottom dwelling predators.

From a conservation perspective they are considered to be of Least Concern, with stable populations spread over wide areas. Their long-term survival may be strongly impacted by the decline of coral reefs. Butterflyfish are used extensively by the aquarium trade due to their small stature and beauty. They are difficult to maintain as their primary food source is live coral and sea anemones. They are not targeted as a food fish. They date to the end of the mid-Eocene period, 23 million years ago.