Common name: lined butterflyfish

General information

The Lined Butterflyfish, Chaetodon lineolatus, is a striking species known for its bold, linear patterns and vibrant colors. It is one of the largest butterflyfish species, reaching up to 30 centimeters in length. This fish is not only admired for its beauty but also for its interesting behavior and diet.

Care

Caring for Lined Butterflyfish can be challenging due to their specialized dietary needs. They primarily feed on coral polyps, tubeworms, and small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they require a varied diet including meaty foods like mysis shrimp, and marine flesh, as well as supplements to mimic their natural coral diet. A large, well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding is essential for their well-being.

Reproduction

In the wild, Lined Butterflyfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The larvae are planktonic, drifting in the currents until they develop into juveniles. Breeding them in captivity is rare and considered difficult due to their complex life cycle.

Symbiosis

While not known for a specific symbiotic relationship like clownfish with anemones, Lined Butterflyfish do play a role in the reef ecosystem by controlling populations of certain invertebrates and possibly aiding in coral health by feeding on coral predators.

Habitat

Lined Butterflyfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs, typically at depths of 1 to 30 meters. They are often observed in pairs or small groups, swimming close to the reef structure.