Pacific Redfin Butterflyfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A fish that won't eat in the aquarium and is best viewed in its wild settings. Scott W. Michael
Overview
Yet another of the obligate corallivore butterflyfishes, this appealing species is almost guaranteed to refuse to eat in captivity. Even if it does pick at some food offerings, it will usually begin a sure terminal decline. Choose one of the hardy, easy-to-keep butterflies instead.
Family: Chaetodontidae
Other common name(s):
- Oval Butterflyfish
Native range:
Habitat: Reef areas with dense cover of Acropora spp. stony corals.
Maximum length: 14 cm (6 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 284 L (75 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to bottom.
Feeding
Needs live coral polyps for its constant grazing activities.
Breeding/Propagation
In the wild, usually seen as monogamous pairs that cruise a well-defined home territory.
Notes
In the Indian Ocean, a very similar species is found: Chaetodon trifasciatis, the Melon Butterflyfish.