Spotfin Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ocellatus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
A yellowish-white butterflyfish with a distinctive black spot (ocellus) on the dorsal fin near the tail, from which it derives its common name. The body is compressed and rhomboid-shaped with yellow markings on the head and body, and a black-edged bar passing through the eye.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, offer a varied diet of high-quality prepared foods including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Include some vegetable matter and frequent small meals to encourage feeding and proper nutrition.
Difficulty and care for the Spotfin Butterflyfish
Spotfin Butterflyfish are moderately difficult; they require well-established aquaria with stable water conditions, may be selective feeders, and can be somewhat aggressive toward conspecifics and similar species.
Common health issues
Marine Ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Hole-in-the-Head Disease, Columnaris Disease
Origin and habitat
Western Atlantic, from Florida and Bermuda south through the Caribbean to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico.
Log Spotfin 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 Spotfin Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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