Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish (Chaetodon pelewensis)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Small, disc-shaped butterflyfish with a pale yellow or cream body marked with distinctive black dots and dashes (short lines) arranged in neat rows across the body and fins. The face has a characteristic black eye-band, and the dorsal and anal fins display the same dot-and-dash patterning, making this species easily recognizable among butterflyfish.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied omnivorous diet including high-quality flake foods, small frozen prey items (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped squid), and occasional vegetable matter. Feed 2–3 times daily in appropriate portions.
Difficulty and care for the Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Ich (white spot disease), marine velvet, parasitic infections, nutritional deficiencies if diet lacks variety
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, and surrounding coral reef areas. Found in coastal reef environments from the surface to moderate depths.
Log Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Dot-and-Dash Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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