What body shape characterizes members of the Family Chaetodontidae?
Answer
Deep, laterally compressed, disc-like body shape
The Family Chaetodontidae, universally known as the butterflyfishes, is defined by a shared, characteristic body plan common to its members. This standard morphology involves a body that is deep relative to its length, highly laterally compressed, giving it a distinct disc-like appearance when viewed from the front or rear. Although many species within this family are known for vibrant coloring, this fundamental deep-bodied structure is a primary taxonomic feature that groups them together, indicating a shared ancestry predisposed them toward occupying specialized niches within tropical and subtropical reef ecosystems.
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