Common name: Blackburn's butterflyfish

General information

The Peppered Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon blackburnii, is a small and attractive species that is appreciated by many aquarists for its striking appearance. It is characterized by its silver-white body adorned with a series of black spots and a distinctive black vertical band running through the eye. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other butterflyfish, partly due to its specific dietary requirements.

Care

Peppered Butterflyfish are considered moderately difficult to care for due to their specialized feeding habits. In the wild, they primarily feed on coral polyps and benthic invertebrates. In captivity, they require a varied diet that includes live, frozen, and prepared foods specifically designed for marine carnivores. It is crucial to provide them with a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding.

Reproduction

Like many marine fish, Chaetodon blackburnii has a complex reproductive cycle that is difficult to replicate in the home aquarium. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The larvae are planktonic and require specific conditions to survive, making captive breeding a challenge for even the most experienced aquarists.

Habitat

Peppered Butterflyfish are found in the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and the northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates, often in pairs or small groups. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 55 meters deep.