Chaetodon trifascialis

Datasheet

General Description: The Chevron butterflyfish, scientifically known as Chaetodon trifascialis, belongs to the Chaetodontidae family within the Chaetodon genus complex. These fish are characterized by their attractive patterns and colors, resembling other members of the complex closely. Distinguishing between species is essential due to varying needs, ranging from slight color differences to crucial habitat requirements.

Aquarium Suitability: Considered experience, preparation, and extra care are necessary for keeping Chevron butterflyfish in captivity. Due to their tendency to nibble at clams, including species like Tridacna, caution is advised when housing them. Moreover, these fish primarily feed on coral polyps, posing a challenge in captivity where offering alternative food sources becomes crucial to their survival. Despite challenges, providing living corals, mussels, and zooplankton can help acclimate them to different food options.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness: The Chevron butterflyfish features an average hardiness level, requiring specific care in captivity. They thrive in aquariums with ample space for swimming and seek good hiding spots among live rocks. Maintaining a well-prepared feeding regimen with a variety of suitable food types is crucial for their well-being, as failure to provide adequate nourishment can lead to high mortality rates in captivity.

Reef Suitability: Classified as not reef-safe, the Chevron butterflyfish may pose a threat to coral reefs due to their diet that predominantly includes coral polyps. Their inclination towards SPS corals and other invertebrates makes them unsuitable for reef environments where coral preservation is a priority.

Aquarium Setup: To accommodate Chevron butterflyfish, a large tank with a volume of at least 800 liters is recommended. The aquarium should feature ample swimming space and hiding places between live rocks to mimic their natural habitat. Maintaining stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, KH levels between 8-12, salinity from 1.020-1.025 SG, and temperatures between 22.2-25.6°C is essential for their well-being.

Behaviour: These fish exhibit a peaceful temperament towards other tank mates, except for potentially aggressive behavior towards similar species. Therefore, cautious consideration is advised when housing them together, especially if not forming a compatible pair.

Feeding and Diet: The recommended diet for Chevron butterflyfish includes small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as small polyp stone corals (SPS) and zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. Mimicking their natural diet by stuffing food into coral skeletons or stones can aid in their acclimatization and feeding habits.

Dimorphism: Chevron butterflyfish exhibit no significant dimorphism, but their dietary specialization poses challenges in captive environments. Breeding some species may be feasible if they transition to eat frozen foods, while others may require their natural diet, like live SPS or LPS corals, for sustenance.

Habitat and Distribution: These fish are native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian and Society Islands. In the wild, they inhabit areas with coral reefs and diverse marine life, reflecting their preference for habitats rich in coral polyps and invertebrates.