Common name: Four-spot butterfly

General information

The Fourspot Butterflyfish, Chaetodon quadrimaculatus, is a vibrant and attractive species that is popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts. This species is known for its distinctive four black spots, which are located on each side of its body, hence the name. The body is primarily white with a yellow back and a black vertical band running through the eye, which helps in camouflaging the eyes from predators.

Care

Fourspot Butterflyfish are considered moderate to care for. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are not considered reef-safe as they have a tendency to nip at stony and soft corals, as well as sessile invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and marine flake food, supplemented with algae, will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Fourspot Butterflyfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are pelagic spawners, meaning that eggs and sperm are released into the water column. The eggs are buoyant and dispersed by currents. In the aquarium, breeding is quite challenging and rarely achieved.

Habitat

Chaetodon quadrimaculatus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe and Rapa islands. They are typically found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs, from the shallows down to depths of around 30 meters.