Teardrop Butterflyfish (Chaetodon unimaculatus)

The Teardrop Butterflyfish is always a pleasure to see.  Unfortunately, on Maui, its abundance seems to be limited to marine protected areas such as Ahihi Kina’u, one of the few places in the Main Hawaiian Islands that is experiencing a growth in the coral reef.  Teardrop Butterflyfish are primarily corallivores but have been known to feed  on polychaetes, small crustaceans, and algae as well as hard and soft coral.  They usually travel in pairs, but are also commonly seen in small groups. To eight inches.  For more information regarding their range, the aquarium trade, threats, ecology, etc. please see the IUCN Redlist site

Teardrop Butterflyfish and Barred FilefishTeardrop Butterflyfish and Hawaiian Cleaner WrasseTeardrop Butterflyfish and Convict Tang, both JuvenilesTeardrop Butterflyfish and Hawaiian Cleaner WrasseTeardrop ButterflyfishTeardrop Butterflyfish a Little Worse for WearTeardrop Butterflyfish at Cleaning StationTeardrop ButterflyfishTeardrop Butterflyfish at Cleaning StationTeardrop Butterflyfish at Cleaning StationTeardrop Butterflyfish at Cleaning StationFour Teardrop ButterflyfishesTeardrop Butterflyfish at Cleaning Station