Sixspine Butterflyfish (Parachaetodon ocellatus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Small butterflyfish with distinctive ocellated (eye-spotted) patterning on the body and fins. Yellow-orange base coloration with six prominent dark spines along the dorsal fin and characteristic dark bands and spot patterns that give it the "sixspine" common name.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, small frozen foods, and occasional spirulina preparations. Offer food 2–3 times daily in small portions. May take time to acclimate to prepared foods.
Difficulty and care for the Sixspine Butterflyfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific, occurring from the Indian Ocean through Indonesia and Philippines to Micronesia and Polynesia.
Log Sixspine 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 Sixspine Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
Related Fish
