Banded Butterflyfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widespread in the tropical and subtropical Western Atlantic, from Massachusetts (USA) and the southern Gulf of Mexico through the Caribbean Sea down to Santa Catarina in Brazil. Found on shallow coral reefs and rocky reefs at depths from 3 to 70 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Chaetodontidae. Features a highly compressed, disc-like oval body. Equipped with brush-like teeth suitable for plucking small prey. Reaches a maximum length of about 15 cm.

Social Behavior: Diurnal species. Mostly observed in stable monogamous pairs, though juveniles and occasionally adults can be seen singly or in small groups of up to 20 individuals while feeding.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery-white body with four dark brown-to-black vertical bands: one through the eye, two on the sides, and a fourth on the caudal peduncle. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a spacious aquarium of at least 300 liters with plenty of open swimming space and live rock. Not suitable for traditional reef tanks as it will feed on coral polyps.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Naturally feeds on polychaete worms, coral polyps, and mollusk eggs. In captivity, feed three times daily with mysis, brine shrimp, krill, and finely chopped clam.

Water Quality: Stable marine parameters with efficient protein skimming. Temperature 22–28°C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity SG 1.020–1.025, GH 15–25, and KH 8–12. Keep nitrate and phosphate levels low.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful with other fish families. May exhibit territorial behavior toward similar butterflyfishes. Not reef-safe: it will destroy tubeworms, feather dusters, and most corals.

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely difficult and undocumented in home aquariums. Broadcast spawners that release pelagic eggs in pairs.

Risks and Diseases: Difficult to transition to prepared aquarium foods. Highly susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and other skin parasites under stress or poor water conditions.