Common name: Twospot coralfish
General information
The Twospot Coralfish, scientifically known as Coradion melanopus, is a species of butterflyfish that is appreciated for its striking appearance in the home aquarium. This species is characterized by its silver body with a black vertical band running through the eye and another at the base of the tail fin. The Twospot Coralfish is a relatively peaceful fish that can be a good addition to a community tank with other non-aggressive species.
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
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers stable water conditions
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet with meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at small fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyButterflyfishChaetodontidae
- GenusChelmonCoradion
- SpeciesTwospot coralfishCoradion melanopus (Cuvier, 1831)
- SynonymsChaetodon melanopus Cuvier, 1831Tetragnoptrus melanopus (Cuvier, 1831)
Care
Coradion melanopus requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. They are not considered reef-safe as they may nip at soft corals and some invertebrates. A varied diet of meaty foods, including marine fish, crustacean flesh, and mysis shrimp, is essential for their health. Care should be taken to ensure they are not outcompeted for food by more aggressive tank mates.
Reproduction
In the wild, Twospot Coralfish 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 and not commonly attempted by hobbyists.
Habitat
Coradion melanopus is found in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to the Great Barrier Reef and north to Japan. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs, typically at depths of 3 to 30 meters. In the aquarium, they require a similar environment with plenty of structure and hiding places.