Common name: Asian butterflyfish
General information
The Silver Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon argentatus, is a striking species that adds both beauty and interest to a marine aquarium. This species is known for its silver body with black vertical stripes and a distinctive black spot on the rear of the dorsal fin. It is a member of the family Chaetodontidae, which is renowned for its colorful and diverse species.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 18 cm (7″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers live rock for grazing
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, coral
- Social
- Pair Pairs or solitary
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, especially in pairs
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyButterflyfishChaetodontidae
- GenusButterflyfishChaetodon
- SpeciesAsian butterflyfishChaetodon argentatus Smith & Radcliffe, 1911
- SynonymsAnisochaetodon argentatus (Smith & Radcliffe, 1911)
Care
Silver Butterflyfish are moderately difficult to care for due to their specific dietary requirements. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. These fish are not coral-friendly and may nip at soft and stony corals, so they are best kept in a fish-only or fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) setup. A varied diet of meaty foods, including marine fish, crustacean flesh, and mysis shrimp, is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Silver Butterflyfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. Raising the larvae in captivity is challenging due to their planktonic stage and specific feeding requirements.
Habitat
Silver Butterflyfish are found in the Western Pacific, from southern Japan to Taiwan and the South China Sea. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, typically at depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters. They prefer clear waters with strong currents where they can feed on zooplankton.