Butterflyfish Habitat: Where They Live and Thrive

Butterflyfish are found in warm, shallow waters of tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. They are particularly abundant in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the waters of Southeast Asia and Australia. Some species are also found in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Butterflyfish prefer coral reefs and rocky coastlines, where they can find food and shelter among the coral and other marine life. They are also found in estuaries and mangrove forests, as well as in lagoons and bays.