Indian Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mitratus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Hard care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Indian Butterflyfish display a distinctive yellow and black coloration pattern with a deep yellow body marked by bold black vertical bands on the flanks. The head is predominantly yellow with characteristic black markings around the eye. The dorsal fin is yellow with black edges, and the body shape is laterally compressed and deep, typical of the butterflyfish family.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of high-quality prepared foods including flaked marine herbivore formulas, meaty preparations, and frequent offerings of live or frozen small crustaceans such as copepods, mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp. Supplementation with vitamin-enriched foods helps support coloration and health.
Difficulty and care for the Indian Butterflyfish
The Indian Butterflyfish is moderately difficult to maintain and is best suited to experienced hobbyists. While generally hardy once acclimated, it requires stable water conditions, a varied diet, and careful observation as it may nip at certain soft corals and polyps.
Common health issues
Marine ich, fin rot, parasitic infections, nutritional deficiencies from inadequate diet
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific, found from the Red Sea and East Africa to Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef, typically in coral reef environments at depths of 5–50 meters.
Log Indian 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 Indian Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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