Common name: Spottail butterflyfish
General information
The Spot-tail Butterflyfish, Chaetodon ocellicaudus, is a striking species known for its unique coloration and patterns. This fish is characterized by its white body with a series of vertical black stripes and a distinctive black spot on the tail, which gives it its common name. It is a relatively small butterflyfish, reaching up to about 6 inches in length.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Omnivore Prefers mysis, brine shrimp.
- Social
- Pair Best kept in pairs.
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at coral polyps.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyButterflyfishChaetodontidae
- GenusButterflyfishChaetodon
- SpeciesSpottail butterflyfishChaetodon ocellicaudus Cuvier, 1831
Care
Spot-tail Butterflyfish are moderately challenging to keep in home aquariums. They require a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. This species is not considered reef-safe as it may nip at corals and sessile invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and high-quality marine flakes or pellets is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Spot-tail Butterflyfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. Raising the larvae in captivity is quite challenging due to their planktonic nature and specific dietary requirements.
Habitat
Chaetodon ocellicaudus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Maldives to Japan, and south to Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, typically at depths of 1 to 30 meters. They are often observed in pairs or small groups, swimming close to the reef structure.