The use of butterflyfishes (Chaetondontidae) as bio-indicators of habitat structure and human disturbance

Butterfly fish may be reliable bio-indicators in assessing the quality of habitat structure in Sri Lanka. Species diversity and population sizes have been studied, and coral reefs in sanctuaries when compared with areas suffering habitat destruction show fewer depauperate fauna with higher densities and diversity. Use of butterfly fish for habitat assessment remains controversial, and may not be globally applicable.