Chaetodon rafflesii

Datasheet

General Description

The Latticed Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon rafflesii, is a captivating species belonging to the Chaetodontidae family. These fish are recognized for their striking patterns and vibrant colors and are often part of a group referred to as a "complex" due to their striking resemblance to one another. It is crucial to distinguish them as some variations exist, be it in color, pattern, or specific requirements related to their origin.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums, the Latticed Butterflyfish demands careful attention due to its specific needs and behaviors. While they can coexist as a pair when introduced simultaneously, their docile nature requires cautious consideration when housed with more aggressive tank mates. These fish are known to nibble at clams, including Tridacna species, and can pose a threat to anemones as they have a preference for consuming them. Adequate hiding spots and a varied diet are essential for their well-being.

Care and Hardiness

With an average hardiness level, these fish thrive in a well-established aquarium with ample space for swimming. Feeding multiple times a day, especially upon introduction, is crucial, with a preference for live food to aid in acclimatization. A varied diet consisting of larger crustaceans, microalgae like spirulina, and zooplankton is recommended for their overall health.

Reef Suitability

Not classified as reef-safe, the Latticed Butterflyfish should be carefully considered in reef setups due to their tendencies to feed on anemones and certain corals. While some individuals may eat glass anemones (Aiptasia), there is variability in this behavior, with some fish refusing to consume them.

Aquarium Setup

When creating their habitat within an aquarium, it is vital to provide good hiding places such as live rocks. These fish should be housed in a well-maintained tank with adequate algae growth on rocks for grazing. Monitoring water conditions within the parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and salinity of 1.020-1.025 is essential for their well-being.

Behaviour

Latticed Butterflyfish are generally peaceful and ignore other fish species. However, caution is advised when keeping similar species together, unless they are a mated pair. Their shy and docile nature necessitates observing them closely for any signs of stress or aggression.

Feeding and Diet

These fish must be fed a varied diet comprising crustaceans, microalgae, invertebrates, zooplankton, and small crustaceans to ensure their nutritional needs are met. Regular feeding, especially initially, aids in their adaptation to captive environments.

Dimorphism

While dimorphism is not explicitly covered, captive reproduction of some species of Chaetodon can be achieved, particularly those that accept frozen foods like mussels.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Latticed Butterflyfish are indigenous to the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from Sri Lanka to the Tuamoto Islands and as far north as southern Japan. They inhabit waters near the Great Barrier Reef, Palau, and the eastern Caroline Islands in Micronesia, showcasing their adaptability to diverse marine environments.