Bennett's Butterflyfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Tropical Indo-Pacific, widely distributed from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to the Great Barrier Reef. Inhabits shallow lagoons and seaward reefs with rich coral growth.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Chaetodontidae. Features a deep, laterally compressed, disc-like body shape with a pointed snout adapted for picking coral polyps from branches.

Social Behavior: Shy and delicate species. Usually observed singly or in stable monogamous pairs. Swimming is slow and methodical, requiring a quiet tank environment free of harassment.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Bright lemon-yellow overall coloration. Marked by a large, distinct black spot ringed in iridescent blue on the upper flank, and two curved blue lines running horizontally.

Aquarium Setup: Needs a mature reef-type aquarium of at least 300 liters with plenty of high-quality live rock and caves to provide shelter and grazing opportunities.

Diet and Feeding: Obligate corallivore. Extremely difficult to transition to aquarium foods. Requires live coral polyps, freshly opened clams, and fine frozen foods (mysis, copepods) to stimulate feeding.

Water Quality: Demands pristine marine water conditions: temperature 22-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025 with zero nitrates/ammonia and excellent protein skimming.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Highly peaceful. Not reef safe as it feeds on hard corals. Best housed in a peaceful fish-only system with non-aggressive tankmates. Avoid active, boisterous species.

Aquarium Breeding: Reproduction in home aquariums is undocumented. Spawns pelagic eggs, and larvae undergo a complex pelagic stage called acronurus before settling.

Risks and Diseases: Extremely challenging species. The primary risk is starvation due to its specialized diet. Highly susceptible to marine white spot (Cryptocaryon) and stress.