Reef Butterflyfish (Chaetodon sedentarius)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Reef Butterflyfish is a small, laterally compressed fish with a distinctive yellow body and white head marked by a thick black stripe running through the eye. It has dark coloration on the dorsal and anal fins, and displays a characteristic black saddle patch on the caudal peduncle. The body profile is deep and roughly diamond-shaped.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied diet of high-quality flaked foods, small pellets, and frozen foods such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood. Include small portions of algae-based supplements. Offer food 2-3 times daily in small amounts.
Difficulty and care for the Reef Butterflyfish
The Reef Butterflyfish is moderately challenging to keep, requiring stable water conditions and a varied diet. It is generally peaceful but can be sensitive to poor water quality and may occasionally nip at soft corals and polyps if not well-fed.
Common health issues
Marine ich, parasitic infections, nutritional deficiency, lateral line erosion
Origin and habitat
Western Atlantic, from the Caribbean region including Bermuda, Bahamas, and Florida south to the Gulf of Mexico and northern coast of South America.
Log Reef 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 Reef Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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