Common name: Indian golden-barred butterflyfish

General information

Roa jayakari, commonly known as Jayakar's Butterflyfish, is a lesser-known species in the aquarium trade, primarily due to its rarity and deep-water habitat. This species is part of the Chaetodontidae family, which is renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Jayakar's Butterflyfish is characterized by its striking coloration, with a base color of white and a series of vertical black bands. The fish also features a distinctive black spot on the tail and a yellow to orange hue on the dorsal and anal fins.

Care

Jayakar's Butterflyfish are considered challenging to keep in home aquariums, mainly because of their specialized dietary requirements. In the wild, they feed on a variety of benthic invertebrates and are known to pick at soft and stony corals. In captivity, they require a diet rich in live foods, such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, and may also accept high-quality frozen preparations. It is crucial to provide a varied diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Aquarists should also ensure a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. Due to their peaceful nature, they should be housed with other non-aggressive tank mates. Careful acclimation and stable water conditions are essential to reduce stress and prevent disease.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of Roa jayakari in the wild or captivity. Like many butterflyfish, they are likely to form monogamous pairs and engage in elaborate courtship displays. Breeding in home aquariums is rare and not well documented.

Habitat

Roa jayakari is found in the Western Indian Ocean, particularly around the Arabian Peninsula, including Oman and the United Arab Emirates. They inhabit deep reef slopes and drop-offs, typically at depths ranging from 20 to 75 meters. This preference for deeper waters contributes to the difficulty of collecting and keeping this species in the aquarium trade.