There are 25 species of Butterflyfishes in Hawaii, 123 throughout the world, of which five are endemic (two are only found at great depths).  The Hawaiians referred to most species as Lauhau, Lauwiliwili, or Kikakapu and did not eat them except during periods of famine.   The most common species is the endemic Milletseed Butterflyfish, at least around the older islands.  It occurs in large aggregations that feed upon a variety of tiny invertebrates, fish eggs and zooplankton.  It also spawns in large groups rather than forming a monogamous bond.

Paired individuals remain together and maintain well-defined territories.  The size of the territory is determined by the amount of food needed and the amount of effort required to defend it.  Live corals are preyed upon by several species.

Some species are widespread while others are limited to one ocean or a portion of it, and some are restricted to a single island or group.  Isolated island groups feature a number of endemic species.

The Stripey is actually related to Chubs but included here as it is often mistaken for a butterflyfish.

BLUESTRIPED BUTTERFLYFISH

Chaetodon miliaris   

MILLETSEED BUTTERFLYFISH

CITRON or LEMON BUTTERFLYFISH

BLACKLIP or SUNBURST BUTTERFLYFISH

PEBBLED or MULTIBAND BUTTERFLYFISH

Chaetodon unimaculatus

TEARDROP BUTTERFLYFISH

FOURSPOT BUTTERFLYFISH

RACCOON BUTTERFLYFISH

OVAL BUTTERFLYFISH

RETICULATED BUTTERFLYFISH

SADDLEBACK BUTTERFLYFISH

CHEVRON BUTTERFLYFISH

THREADFIN BUTTERFLYFISH

LINED BUTTERFLYFISH

ORNATE BUTTERFLYFISH

TINKER'S BUTTERFLYFISH

PYRAMID BUTTERFLYFISH

THOMPSON'S BUTTERFLYFISH

PENNANT BUTTERFLYFISH

FORCEPSFISH

LONGNOSE BUTTERFLYFISH

LONGNOSE BUTTERFLYFISH, dark morph

ORANGEMARGIN BUTTERFLYFISH

Roa excelsa

BROWN-BARRED BUTTERFLYFISH

Microcanthus strigatus

STRIPEY