Latticed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon rafflesii)

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Latticed Butterflyfish

Chaetodon rafflesii-1521.jpg
Latticed Butterflyfish

Chaetodon rafflesii

284 Litres (75 US G.)

15-18 cm (5.9-7.1")

pH

8.1 - 8.4

22.2-25.6°C (72 -78 °F)

8-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Live Foods
Other (See article)

5-10 years

Family

Chaetodontidae



Additional names

Latticed Butterflyfish, Raffle's Butterflyfish, Raffles' Coralfish

Additional scientific names

Anisochaetodon rafflesi, Chaetodon dahli, Chaetodon princeps, Chaetodon rafflesi, Chaetodon rafflessi, Chaetodon sebae


Origin

It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific, from Sri Lanka, north to Japan, south to Australia and east to the Tuamoto Islands. In Australia it is known from off north-western Western Australia and the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.


Sexing

It is very difficult to visually sex this fish.


Tank compatibility

Not reef safe and will nip at corals and anemones. It is best kept as a solitary Butterflyfish, they are found in pairs in the wild.


Diet

Should accept most meaty foods. In the wild it feeds on coral polyps, sea anemones and polychaetes.


Feeding regime

Feed twice a day.


Environment specifics

Needs an SG of 1.020 - 1.025 and a spacious mature tank with hiding places in live rock.


Behaviour

If the fish is asleep or stressed, it will get a dark spot on the front of the body.


Identification

This is a tall laterally compressed fish, typical almost square shape of Butterflyfish. It's body is a strong yellow in colour with dark scale margins giving it a lattice-like appearance. It has a black eye band and a blue patch between the eyes; the tail has a black vertical stripe.

Pictures

External links