Bennett's Butterflyfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
An obligate corallivore and poor prospect for the aquarium. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
One of a large number of attractive and appealing butterflyfishes that defy easy keeping in aquaria because of their natural dependence on coral polyps as a primary food source.
These species should not be widely collected or sold until a solution to their nutritional needs is found.
Family: Chaetodontidae
Other common name(s):
- Bluelash Butterflyfish
Native range:
Habitat: In and near coral thickets, especially Acropora spp., where it feeds on polyps.
Maximum length: 20 cm (8 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 284 L (75 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Known as an obligate corallivore, this is a butterfly genetically programmed to feed on live coral polyps. It rarely switches to commonly fed aquarium foods, and even if it does, it regularly fades away due to a lack of needed nutrients.
| Common name | Bennett's Butterflyfish +, and Bluelash Butterflyfish + |
| Family | Chaetodontidae + |
| Genus | Chaetodon + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 8 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 75 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific +, East Africa +, Pitcairn Group +, Japan +, and Lord Howe Island + |
| Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
| Specific name | bennetti + |
| Swimming level | Midwater to bottom. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |