Butterfish - Mararī/Kōeaea

Butterfish are endemic to New Zealand, living in rocky reefs and kelp forests. Easily recognized by their mohawk-like dorsal fins, they start life as females, with the largest transitioning to males, forming harems. Females are brown-olive, while males are dark green to blue-black. These fish depend on healthy reefs with abundant kelp and are omnivores, feeding on algae and microorganisms. Sadly, declining reef health is threatening their habitats.