Modest Butterflyfish (Chaetodon modestus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Modest Butterflyfish is a small, compressed laterally-flattened fish with a yellow-tan body and distinctive dark bands running vertically. It has a white face mask and dark eye-bar, with subtle white markings on the dorsal and anal fins that give it a modest appearance compared to more elaborately patterned butterflyfish species.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, offer a varied diet of high-quality frozen foods including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped marine flesh, supplemented with small amounts of nori or herbivorous preparations. Feed 2-3 times daily in small portions.
Difficulty and care for the Modest Butterflyfish
Moderate difficulty. The Modest Butterflyfish requires a mature, stable reef aquarium with good water quality and varied live foods to encourage feeding. It may refuse prepared foods initially, making acclimation challenging for some hobbyists.
Common health issues
Ich, parasitic infections, poor feeding response in captivity, nutritional deficiencies
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including waters around Indonesia, the Philippines, and other coral reef areas of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Log Modest 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 Modest Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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