Chaetodon decussatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon decussatus, is part of the Chaetodontidae family, commonly referred to as Butterflyfish. These fish are recognized for their vibrant patterns and colors, closely related to Angelfish but distinguished by the absence of spines on the head. They vary in dietary needs with some favoring soft corals while others target Large Polyp Stone (LPS) corals, anemones, tubeworms, and bristleworms. Ensuring correct species selection in relation to desired corals is crucial if incorporating Butterflyfish in a coral-focused aquarium.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable with care, Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish can be challenging to acclimatize and feed initially. Acquiring medium-sized or fully grown specimens (>7 cm) is advisable due to acclimatization difficulties faced by small individuals. These fish are peaceful but can exhibit aggression towards similar species, needing adequate hiding spots within live rocks and a spacious aquarium for swimming. Regular feeding multiple times a day and offering a varied diet are essential for their well-being.

Care and Hardiness

With an average hardiness level, these fish can coexist with multiple specimens if introduced simultaneously into a well-established aquarium. They thrive in environments with ample algae-rich surfaces for grazing. The Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish may display shyness initially but can adapt to new surroundings. To avoid potential acclimatization issues, ensuring healthy specimens free from parasites or infections is crucial.

Reef Suitability

Not considered reef safe, the Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish may nibble at clams, feed on tubeworms, and primarily consume coral polyps. While some individuals may eat live foods like Zooplankton or mussels, others could struggle with alternative food sources in captivity, leading to feeding challenges and potential health issues.

Aquarium Setup

Creating an ideal aquarium setup involves providing hiding places among live rocks, a varied diet consisting of larger crustaceans, macroalgae, microalgae, zooplankton, and other invertebrates. Maintaining water conditions within recommended parameters of pH (8.1-8.4), temperature (22.2-25.6°C), and salinity (1.020-1.025) is vital for the well-being of the Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish.

Behaviour

Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish are mostly peaceful but may exhibit aggression towards similar species, necessitating caution when housing them together unless they are paired. Their feeding habits revolve around coral polyps, potentially posing challenges in captivity, requiring a prepared and patient approach to ensure their adaptation to alternative food sources.

Feeding and Diet

Their diet typically includes Large Polyp Stone coral (LPS), soft corals, and potentially live foods like SPS corals, mussels, and zooplankton. Provision of multiple suitable food types, live prey, and mimicry of natural feeding behaviors with food-stuffed coral skeletons or stones can help sustain Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish health in captivity.

Dimorphism

Not covered.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in the Indo-West Pacific regions, including the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Sea, and the westernmost part of the Indo-Malayan Archipelago, Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish inhabit coral-rich environments. Selecting suitable dietary options and ensuring a well-prepared aquarium are crucial for their successful acclimatization and long-term care.