Oval Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Oval Butterflyfish has a compressed, laterally oval body with distinctive yellow and black coloration. The head and anterior body are bright yellow, while the posterior body and tail are predominantly black with a white or pale stripe marking the caudal peduncle. A characteristic black mask crosses the eye.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of high-quality marine flake foods, frozen Mysis shrimp, small crustaceans, and occasionally vegetable matter. Feed 2-3 times daily in small portions that the fish can consume within a few minutes.
Difficulty and care for the Oval Butterflyfish
The Oval Butterflyfish is moderately challenging for reef aquarists. While hardy once acclimated, they can be shy feeders initially and require stable water conditions and a varied diet to thrive long-term.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Hole-in-the-head disease, Velvet
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa through Indonesia to the Great Barrier Reef and the Indo-Australian Archipelago.
Log Oval 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 Oval Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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