Barrier Reef. Only obligate coral-feeding butterflyfishes, such as C. lunulatus, and not facultative or non-coral feeders displayed reductions in abundance. It has been suggested that these declines were due to starvation and death resulting from a lack of coral prey. Reproduction and mating The oval butterflyfish is oviparous and has little sexual dimorphism. In C. lunulatus, both solitary living and pair bonding occurs amongst individuals. Studies have found that heterosexual pairing predominates, most likely to facilitate reproduction. Partner fidelity appears long-lasting, with one study reporting that individuals remained paired for up to seven years. In these pair-bonds, females feed more frequently, while males tend to take the leading position when swimming in tandem. The pairs display a high level of parallel and proximate (1.5m) swimming, and almost always remain in close range (4m). Territoriality Butterflyfish defend their territories against conspecifics. A tail-up display is a common antagonistic behavior in the Chaetodon species. It is performed towards conspecifics in territorial disputes as well as in non-agonistic interactions with a pair partner. C. lunulatus may attack individuals when they do not perform the tail-up display. In territorial interactions, the fish display behavioral patterns such as encircling, staring, tail-up display, two-piled-tops fighting, parallel swimming, chasing, rushing, fleeing, and attacking. Fatal fighting only occurs over mating resources but not for resources such as shelter or food. References External links Chaetodon Fish of Hawaii