Common name: Eightband butterflyfish

Scientific name: Chaetodon octofasciatus Bloch, 1787
Falterfisch am KorallenriffEight-banded Butterflyfish, Chaetodon octofasciatus, Raja Ampat Indonesia.
Yellow-dotted butterflyfishAn Eight-banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon octofasciatus)

General information

The Eightband Butterflyfish, Chaetodon octofasciatus, is a striking species known for its distinctive vertical bands and peaceful demeanor. This species is a member of the family Chaetodontidae and is appreciated for its beauty and grace in the home aquarium. The Eightband Butterflyfish is not as common in the trade as some other butterflyfish, which can make it a unique addition to a fish-only or a larger reef aquarium with caution.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.022 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 varied diet, incl. coral polyps.
Social
Pair Best kept in pairs or singly.
Reefsafe
No May nip at coral polyps.
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be territorial.
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Butterflyfish
    Chaetodontidae
  6. Genus
    Butterflyfish
    Chaetodon
  7. Species
    Eightband butterflyfish
    Chaetodon octofasciatus Bloch, 1787
  8. Synonyms
    Cahetodon octofasciatus Bloch, 1787
    Chaetodon octolineatus Gronow, 1854

Care

Chaetodon octofasciatus requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial with other butterflyfish. A varied diet of meaty foods, algae, and marine-based flakes or pellets is essential for their health. Care should be taken to ensure they are not housed with aggressive species that may outcompete them for food.

Reproduction

In the wild, Eightband 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 challenging due to their planktonic stage and specific dietary requirements.

Symbiosis

While not known for a specific symbiotic relationship like clownfish with anemones, butterflyfish, in general, play a role in the reef ecosystem by controlling algae and being part of the food web.

Habitat

The natural habitat of Chaetodon octofasciatus includes coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-West Pacific region. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 20 meters deep. Geographical distribution spans from the Andaman Sea to the western Pacific, including parts of Indonesia and the Philippines.