Chaetodon plebeius

Datasheet

General Description

The Blueblotch Butterflyfish (Chaetodon plebeius) belongs to the Chaetodontidae family, known for their vibrant patterns and colors. They are part of a complex of species within the Chaetodon genus that closely resemble each other, with variations in color and pattern. These fish lack the spines on the head that distinguish them from Angelfish.

Aquarium Suitability

The Blueblotch Butterflyfish requires an experienced aquarist due to its specific demands. They are not considered reef-safe as they may nibble on clams and tubeworms. Feeding can be a challenge as they primarily eat coral polyps, which can lead to difficulties in captivity. It is crucial to have various suitable food options available, such as live corals, mussels, and zooplankton, to ensure their well-being.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species demands extra care and preparation in terms of feeding and acclimatization. They require a well-established aquarium with ample hiding places among live rocks. Blueblotch Butterflyfish are mostly peaceful but can display aggression towards similar species. With an average hardiness level, they need a varied diet and plenty of space for swimming in a tank of at least 300 liters.

Reef Suitability

Blueblotch Butterflyfish are not reef-safe due to their tendency to feed on coral polyps. They are known to target soft corals like Zoanthus and LPS corals. Keeping them in a coral aquarium requires careful selection based on their dietary preferences to maintain a harmonious environment for both fish and corals.

Aquarium Setup

To accommodate Blueblotch Butterflyfish, the aquarium should have a well-established algae growth on rocks and stones for grazing. Adequate algae presence is essential for their diet; however, supplementing with algae-rich foods like Spirulina is recommended. These fish thrive in environments with stable water conditions, including a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.

Behaviour

Blueblotch Butterflyfish are generally peaceful towards other tank mates and can be kept in pairs if introduced simultaneously. They exhibit a natural behavior of grazing on algae and require suitable hiding spots within the aquarium. Acclimating them to captive diets may be challenging initially, but offering live zooplankton or crushed live mussels can help mimic their natural feeding habits.

Feeding and Diet

In their natural habitat, Blueblotch Butterflyfish feed on coral polyps; replicating this diet in captivity is crucial for their nutritional needs. Offering large polyp stone corals (LPS) and small polyp stone corals (SPS) can help sustain their health and well-being. Live SPS or LPS corals are essential for certain specialists within this species, while others may adapt to frozen foods with proper acclimatization.

Habitat and Distribution

Blueblotch Butterflyfish are found in the Western Pacific region from the Andaman Sea to Fiji, extending north to Japan and south to Australia. Recently, sightings have been reported in Tonga. They inhabit coral-rich areas and rely on a diet primarily consisting of coral polyps, making their survival in captivity dependent on offering suitable alternative food sources and mimicking their natural feeding behavior.