Spotted Butterflyfish (Chaetodon guttatissimus)
Fish in the family Chaetodontidae. Hard care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Spotted Butterflyfish has a pale yellow to white body covered with small dark spots arranged in regular rows, giving it a netted or reticulated appearance. It has a distinctive dark band through the eye and black markings on the dorsal fin. The fish displays the characteristic deep, laterally compressed body shape typical of butterflyfish.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, small pellets, and meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp and finely chopped squid. Include occasional vegetable matter. Feed 2-3 times daily in small portions.
Difficulty and care for the Spotted Butterflyfish
The Spotted Butterflyfish is a challenging species in captivity, requiring a stable, mature reef aquarium with excellent water quality. It is prone to acclimation stress and parasitic infections, and has specialized feeding requirements that many hobbyists struggle to meet long-term.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial septicaemia, Velvet disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, found in coral reef environments from the Red Sea and East Africa through the Indian Ocean to Indonesia, Philippines, and north to Japan. Also present in the Great Barrier Reef region of Australia.
Log Spotted 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 Spotted Butterflyfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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