Parachaetodon ocellatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Sixspine Butterflyfish, scientifically known as Parachaetodon ocellatus, exhibit five vertical stripes in their youth which reduce to four as they reach adulthood. Belonging to the Chaetodontidae family, these fish are commonly recognized for their vibrant patterns and colors. This species hails from the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from Ogasawara Island to Australia and extending to locations like Malaysia.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable with care for aquariums, the Sixspine Butterflyfish necessitates a spacious tank of at least 500 liters. These fish thrive best in shoals and are quite docile, making them cautious companions for more aggressive fish. To ensure their well-being, it is crucial to provide ample hiding spots amidst live rocks, a varied diet including live food, and feed them several times a day, especially upon introduction into a new environment.

Care and Hardiness

Noted for their average hardiness level, these fish are more on the shy and docile side, emphasizing the importance of choosing suitable tank mates. They require an environment with well-established algae growth from rocks and stones for grazing purposes and may display a preference for frequent feeding if natural food sources are scarce.

Reef Suitability

Reef safe with caution, the Sixspine Butterflyfish in a reef environment can pose a threat to small crustaceans like shrimp and may occasionally nibble at clams, particularly Tridacna species. They are known to consume tubeworms and can be kept in a coral aquarium, albeit with care in selecting compatible coral species.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Sixspine Butterflyfish, it is essential to provide a well-run environment with ample space for swimming. Offering hiding places among live rocks, supplementing with algae-rich foods like Spirulina, and ensuring water conditions fall within the recommended parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature of 22.2-25.6°C, salinity between 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness level of 8-12 will contribute to their well-being.

Behaviour

These fish ignore most other tank inhabitants and typically coexist peacefully. However, when housed with similar species, it is advisable to exercise caution unless they form a bonded pair.

Feeding and Diet

The Sixspine Butterflyfish has a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans, macroalgae like seaweed, microalgae such as spirulina, other invertebrates, small crustaceans like krill, zooplankton such as Cyclops, and other pods. Providing a diverse range of foods ensures their nutritional needs are met.

Dimorphism

Dimorphism information is not provided.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Sixspine Butterflyfish are found in the East and West Indian Oceans, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Central/West Pacific region. They inhabit areas from Ogasawara Island to Australia and can also be spotted around Malaysian waters.