Common name: Spotband butterflyfish

General information

The Spotted Butterflyfish, Chaetodon punctatofasciatus, is a striking species known for its vibrant coloration and spotted pattern. This species is a member of the butterflyfish family, which is popular among aquarists for their beauty and interesting behaviors. The Spotted Butterflyfish has a white to yellowish body adorned with a multitude of dark spots and a distinctive black vertical band running through the eye.

Care

Spotted 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, including mysis shrimp and marine flakes, is essential for their health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Spotted 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 quite challenging and not commonly attempted by hobbyists.

Habitat

Spotted Butterflyfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and Japan. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, typically at depths of 1 to 30 meters. Their natural environment is rich in coral growth and invertebrate life, which provides both food and shelter.