Chaetodon kleinii

Datasheet

General Description

Native to the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific regions, the Chaetodon kleinii, also known as the Sunburst Butterflyfish, boasts an attractive appearance with vibrant colors. Belonging to the Chaetodontidae family, this species is part of a butterflyfish complex that shares similarities but may differ significantly in their requirements and origins.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums with caution, the Sunburst Butterflyfish requires diligent care due to its specific dietary preferences. Being a food specialist, it primarily feeds on large polyp stone corals (LPS) and soft corals, posing challenges in captivity as they may refuse alternative foods. Acquiring this fish necessitates advanced preparation with various suitable food options readily available to prevent potential feeding issues and ensure their well-being.

Care and Hardiness

Regarded as hardy, the Sunburst Butterflyfish thrives in well-established aquariums with ample live rocks and hiding spots. They require frequent feeding, especially upon introduction, to ensure they receive their natural diet. With a need for a diverse diet, including larger crustaceans, macroalgae, microalgae, and zooplankton, this species demands a well-maintained environment with proper algae growth for grazing.

Reef Suitability

Deemed reef safe with luck, the Sunburst Butterflyfish can coexist in reef environments but may nibble on clams, including Tridacna species. Some individuals might feed on glass anemones (Aiptasia), while others could be hesitant. It is crucial to monitor their interactions with reef inhabitants and ensure they have enough space for swimming freely.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for the Sunburst Butterflyfish involves providing hiding places amidst live rocks, a varied diet comprising live corals, and regular feeding multiple times a day. Maintaining stable water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C is essential for their well-being.

Behaviour

Known for their peaceful temperament, Sunburst Butterflyfish exhibit schooling behavior and thrive when kept in small groups or pairs. They may ignore other fish species and generally coexist harmoniously in multiple numbers, provided they are introduced simultaneously.

Feeding and Diet

This species predominantly feeds on coral polyps, emphasizing the significance of offering live corals, mussels, and zooplankton initially until they adapt to alternative food sources. Maintaining a varied diet is essential, encompassing larger crustaceans, microalgae, small crustaceans, and zooplankton to meet their nutritional requirements.

Dimorphism

In terms of dimorphism, the Sunburst Butterflyfish showcases no distinct differences between males and females. Captive reproduction of this species can prove challenging due to their specific dietary needs, highlighting the importance of mimicking their natural environment when attempting to breed them.

Habitat and Distribution

Sunburst Butterflyfish are native to the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, East Africa, the Hawaiian Islands, Samoa, and as far north as southern Japan and south to New South Wales, Australia. Their distribution extends to the Galapagos Islands in the Eastern Pacific, inhabiting diverse coral reef ecosystems where they forage on corals, anemones, and small invertebrates.