Gurnard - Flying Butterflyfish

Gurnard - Flying ButterflyfishDactyloptena orientalis Care: Expert Diet: Carnivorous Light: Medium Place of origin: Indian Ocean Gurnard Flying A spectacular species when displaying. Well camouflaged when resting and may partly bury in sand. Found in protected coastal bays on shallow sand flats and slopes with sparse reef or plant life, occasionally seen in pairs. Known also from trawls in excess of 100m depth. 3 cm.

ranging from Brazil to Bermuda

Colour changes with age are normal

Known for its intense toxic green colouration and distinctive bubble-like structures

vibrant fish is characterised by its slender body and a distinctive white stripe running along its back

while others are greyer with blue-edged scales and bright facial markings

With no other similar species in its range

pale facial area

Beaked Butterflyfish

Regular feeding helps support colour and activity

is a bright yellow band located just behind the head

colourful patterning

as its natural diet includes coral polyps and other reef invertebrates