Common name: Teardrop butterflyfish

General information

The Teardrop Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon unimaculatus, is a striking species popular among marine aquarists. This species is easily recognizable by its white to yellowish body, adorned with a distinctive black spot or 'teardrop' near the tail and a dark vertical band through the eye. It is a member of the family Chaetodontidae, which is known for its colorful and ornate butterflyfish.

Care

Teardrop Butterflyfish require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are not the easiest species to keep due to their dietary requirements; they need a varied diet that includes both meaty foods and vegetable matter. It's important to note that they may nip at soft and stony corals, so they are not the best choice for a reef tank with a variety of corals.

Reproduction

In the wild, Teardrop Butterflyfish form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are pelagic spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The eggs are buoyant and dispersed by currents. In the aquarium, breeding is rare and requires a large, species-specific setup.

Habitat

Chaetodon unimaculatus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, and south to Lord Howe Island. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoon waters, often seen at depths from the surface down to about 30 meters.