Microcanthus strigatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Stripey, scientifically known as Microcanthus strigatus, is a member of the Chaetodontidae family, characterized by its attractive patterns and colors. Unlike Angelfish, Butterflyfish like the Stripey lack the spines on each side of the head. These fish vary in diet preference, with some targeting soft corals like Zoanthus while others focus on LPS corals. They also feed on anemones, tubeworms, and bristleworms.

Aquarium Suitability

The Stripey is classified as suitable with care for aquariums, thriving best in shoals and showcasing a peaceful temperament. However, caution is advised when keeping similar species together, except for breeding pairs. They are heavy feeders, requiring a tank of at least 800 liters to accommodate their dietary needs.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

With a hardy nature, the Stripey demands a diet consisting of macroalgae, microalgae, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. It is crucial to ensure healthy specimens, free from parasites or infections. These fish can be challenging to acclimatize and feed initially, making it essential to provide suitable live or frozen food options.

Reef Suitability

While the Stripey is not reef-safe due to its predatory nature towards tubeworms, it can coexist with a variety of tank mates as it generally ignores other fish. Special care should be taken when selecting corals, as some Butterflyfish species are known food specialists that may reject alternative foods.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for the Stripey involves maintaining water conditions within the parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature range of 22.2-25.6 degrees Celsius. Providing ample hiding spots and simulating natural feeding behaviors, such as placing food in coral skeletons, can aid in their acclimatization and overall well-being.

Behaviour

Stripeys exhibit a peaceful temperament and thrive in the company of conspecifics or other non-aggressive tank mates. They are not territorial towards other fish and are generally compatible in community aquariums. Observing natural behaviors like foraging for food within rock crevices can offer insight into their well-being and contentment.

Feeding and Diet

Feeding the Stripey a varied diet of live or frozen foods like zooplankton, bristleworms, and crushed live mussels is crucial for their health. Mimicking their natural diet of SPS or LPS corals may be necessary for some species that are reluctant to accept alternative foods. Providing a mix of macroalgae, microalgae, and small crustaceans ensures a balanced nutritional intake.

Habitat and Distribution

The Stripey, native to regions including Australia, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Central/West Pacific, inhabits coastal waters with diverse coral reef ecosystems. They are typically found near rock formations and coral reefs, where they feed on a variety of invertebrates like tubeworms and bristleworms.