Chaetodon tinkeri

Datasheet

General Description

Chaetodon tinkeri, commonly known as Tinker's butterflyfish or Hawaiian butterflyfish, is a species categorized under the Chaetodontidae family. These fish are part of a group known as a "complex," due to their striking resemblance to each other. It is crucial to distinguish between species within this group, as they can vary significantly in their care requirements, ranging from minor color differences to essential habitat preferences.

Aquarium Suitability

Tinker's butterflyfish are suitable for aquariums with care. They can be aggressive if not given adequate space and may need to be housed with caution. However, multiple specimens of this species can coexist in the same tank, particularly if introduced simultaneously. These fish have a high demand for space and require good hiding spots within live rocks in the aquarium.

Care and Hardiness

Tinker's butterflyfish are considered to have average hardiness levels. They demand frequent feedings, especially when newly introduced to the tank. Acclimating them to the tank's lighting is essential, as they prefer dimmed light initially and gradually transitioning to normal lighting. These fish also require a varied diet, including small crustaceans and zooplankton.

Reef Suitability

Reef hobbyists can consider Tinker's butterflyfish as reef safe with luck. However, there may be instances where they exhibit aggressive behavior, particularly towards anemones. Special attention should be paid to their interactions with other tank inhabitants, especially in a reef setting.

Aquarium Setup

To accommodate Tinker's butterflyfish, a tank size of at least 400 liters is recommended. The aquarium should provide ample swimming space, hiding places within live rocks, and a dimmable lighting system. Ensuring the water conditions are within the ranges of pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity of 8-12 dKH, specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Known for their peaceful nature towards other fish, Tinker's butterflyfish primarily focus on their diet of soft corals, anemones, tubeworms, and bristleworms. They may exhibit territorial behavior if their space is encroached upon. Monitoring their behavior in the tank is essential to ensure a harmonious environment.

Feeding and Diet

Feeding Tinker's butterflyfish must be done several times a day, especially initially. Their diet should consist of small crustaceans, zooplankton, and other live foods to mimic their natural diet. Ensuring they receive a balanced and varied diet is crucial for their health and well-being.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, Tinker's butterflyfish can also be found in the Central/West Pacific region. They have been recorded in various locations, including Johnston Island and the Marshall Islands. Their natural habitat includes areas with soft corals, zoanthids, and LPS corals, where they forage for food sources like anemones and tubeworms.