Chaetodon punctatofasciatus | S

Chaetodon punctatofasciatus, commonly known as the Spot-banded Butterflyfish, is a visually captivating species prized for its distinctive pattern and peaceful nature. This small butterflyfish reaches a modest size, making it suitable for medium to large reef aquariums.

Care Level: Moderate to advanced. This species requires stable water conditions and a well-established aquarium.

Temperament: Generally peaceful but may show territorial behaviour towards conspecifics or similar species.

Diet: Omnivorous. Requires a varied diet including high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and specialised preparations for butterflyfish. Supplement with algae and sponge-based foods to mimic natural feeding habits.

Minimum Tank Size: 120 litres (approximately 30 gallons) to provide ample swimming space and territory.

Reef Safety: With Caution. While generally reef safe, they may nip at coral polyps and sessile invertebrates, so caution is advised in sensitive reef setups.

Lighting Requirements: Standard reef aquarium lighting is suitable.

Water Flow: Moderate water flow replicating natural reef environments is preferred.

Placement: Best kept singly or in mated pairs in a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots and live rock for grazing.

Origin: Indo-Pacific region.

Maximum Size: Up to 12 cm (approx. 4.7 inches).

Due to their specialised diet and sensitivity to water quality, Chaetodon punctatofasciatus is recommended for aquarists with some experience in maintaining marine butterflyfish. Regular monitoring and a varied diet will help ensure health and longevity.