Hooded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon larvatus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Hooded Butterflyfish displays a striking pale body with bold black and yellow markings. A distinctive dark hood or mask covers the head and upper body, while the rear portion is predominantly yellow with black banding. The fins are edged in black, and the overall coloration is sharply contrasting.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed high-quality frozen foods including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans, supplemented with quality flake foods. Some individuals may accept nori or algae-based preparations. Offer varied diet to ensure proper nutrition and coloration.
Difficulty and care for the Hooded Butterflyfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Ich, marine velvet, fin damage, feeding refusal
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East African coast through the Indian Ocean to the central Pacific, including the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Log Hooded 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 Hooded Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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