Fourspot Butterflyfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Ryukyu Islands to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Society Islands. Found on outer reef slopes exposed to surge and coral flats.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Chaetodontidae. The specific name highlights the four distinctive white spots located on its upper dorsal region (two per side).

Social Behavior: Peaceful and active species. Usually observed in mated pairs or singly. Spends daytime searching rocky structures for food, requiring a quiet tank setup.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Dorsal half of the body is dark brown to black, featuring two oval white spots on each side. The ventral half, head, and chest are bright yellow.

Aquarium Setup: Needs a mature marine aquarium of at least 300 liters with plenty of live rock and open swimming areas to simulate its natural habitat.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Feeds on algae, coral polyps, and small benthic invertebrates. Accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen brine shrimp, mysis, and marine algae.

Water Quality: Standard marine parameters: temperature 22-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity 1.020-1.025 with efficient filtration and moderate water movement.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Highly peaceful. Not reef safe as it may nip at stony corals. Best kept with quiet, non-aggressive species in a fish-only setup.

Aquarium Breeding: Spawning in home aquariums is undocumented. Pelagic spawner. Eggs and larvae drift in the ocean column before settling onto reefs.

Risks and Diseases: Moderately delicate. Susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and stress. Ensure the aquarium is fully cycled and stable before introduction.