Exquisite butterflyfish

jhnrb

Reef enthusiast
FAMILY - Chactodontidae

SCIENTIFIC NAME - Chaetodon Austriacus

COMMON NAME - Exquisite Butterflyfish

SIZE - 5.1" (13 cm )

RANGE - Northern and central Red Sea

MIN. AQUARIUM SIZE - 55 Gal. (208 L)

FOODS AND FEEDING - Specialized diet of coral polyps, feeds mostely on Acropora corals, reluctant to accept substitutes in captivity, vitamin enriched live brine shrimp, clam on the half shell, mashed squid or shrimp on a bleached stony coral skeleton. Once feeding offer crustacean flesh, mysid shrimp, frozen preparations for carnivores. Feed at least 3 times a day.

AQUARIUM SUITABILITY - 1

REEF COMPATIBILITY - Obligate corallivores, Will eat stony corals, Gastropod eggs, sea anemones.

CAPTIVE CARE - Reports exist of success with this fish in captivity and feeding (must be provided with live Scleractinians as a food source). This is the exception and although possible make sure the fish is eating prior to purchase. Acclimation of this fish to captivity is a rarity and if attempted must be done when the fish is young. Should be left on the reef. Keep only one or a pair. Will stake out a large area for its territory and may be aggressive towards other food competitors or members of its own species.

Exquisite butterflyfish.jpg
 
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