Chaetodon fasciatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Diagonal Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon fasciatus, belongs to the Chaetodontidae family, renowned for its alluring patterns and colors. This species is part of a complex with close resemblances to other Chaetodon genus members, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between them due to varying needs and origins. They are native to the Western Indian Ocean, specifically the Red Sea, and have been reported in the Gulf of Aden.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered not reef-safe and requiring experience, preparation, and additional care, the Diagonal Butterflyfish is best suited for seasoned aquarists. Acquiring medium-sized or fully grown specimens is advised due to acclimatization challenges faced by small individuals in accepting food within an aquarium. Furthermore, these fish exhibit a peaceful temperament, making them compatible with other species but requiring careful consideration when selecting tank mates.

Demands

This species demands a well-established aquarium with ample space for swimming and sufficient hiding spots among live rocks. Feeding them can be challenging, as they predominantly consume coral polyps, hence necessitating a varied diet and live alternatives like mussels, zooplankton, and living corals initially to aid in their acclimatization process. They may also display feeding behaviors such as nibbling at clams, sea urchins, and even glass anemones.

Care and Hardiness

With an average hardiness level, the Diagonal Butterflyfish thrives in water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. These fish must be fed multiple times a day, especially when introduced to a new environment, and are known to "graze" on algae from rocks and stones, requiring a diet rich in microalgae, crustaceans, and zooplankton to ensure optimal health.

Reef Suitability

Categorized as not reef-safe, this species poses a threat to corals due to its diet primarily consisting of coral polyps. Therefore, caution must be exercised when housing the Diagonal Butterflyfish in a reef aquarium to prevent damage to coral colonies and maintain a harmonious ecosystem.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up the aquarium for the Diagonal Butterflyfish, it is vital to provide an environment with sufficient live rock arrangements for hiding, open spaces for swimming, and a well-maintained algae presence for grazing. Ensuring a varied diet, frequent feedings, and suitable tank mates are essential aspects of successful care for this species.

Behaviour

Known for their peaceful demeanor, these fish can coexist as pairs when introduced simultaneously and generally ignore other tank inhabitants. However, they exhibit territorial behaviors towards sea urchins, clams, and glass anemones, indicating a need for careful consideration when selecting tank companions to prevent conflicts.

Feeding and Diet

The feeding habits of the Diagonal Butterflyfish center around consuming large polyp stone coral (LPS), soft corals, and various invertebrates like crustaceans and tubeworms. Offering a diverse diet comprising larger crustaceans, microalgae, zooplankton, and small crustaceans is crucial to meet their nutritional requirements and ensure long-term health in captivity.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, these fish are found in the Red Sea and are known to frequent areas with coral reefs and rocky formations. Their distribution extends to the Western Indian Ocean, inhabiting regions with suitable coral colonies to fulfill their dietary preferences and behavioral patterns.