Chaetodon octofasciatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Eight Banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon octofasciatus), also known as the Eight Stripe Butterflyfish, is recognized for its striking appearance consisting of a yellow body adorned with eight distinct black vertical stripes. This species, a member of the Chaetodontidae family, attains a maximum size of 5 inches in captivity, boasting a slender profile that serves as effective camouflage among coral formations.

Aquarium Suitability (Not Suitable for Beginners)

Given its corallivorous nature, the Eight Banded Butterflyfish is considered challenging to keep and requires an expert level of care in an aquarium setting. While generally peaceful, this fish is not reef compatible due to its diet, which includes coral polyps, crustaceans, and Tridacna clams. Adequate hiding spots within live rock and ample swimming space are necessary for the well-being of this marine fish.

Care and Hardiness

This species of butterflyfish necessitates meticulous care from experienced aquarists due to its specialized dietary requirements and sensitivity to water conditions. With a peaceful temperament, providing a suitable environment with ideal water parameters, such as a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12, is crucial for its well-being.

Reef Suitability

The Eight Banded Butterflyfish is not recommended for reef aquariums due to its feeding habits, which involve consuming coral polyps and other invertebrates present in reef ecosystems. As a result, it is incompatible with maintaining a thriving reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Eight Banded Butterflyfish, it is essential to provide numerous hiding spots within live rock to mimic its natural habitat. Additionally, offering a spacious swimming area is vital to accommodate its active nature. Maintaining stable water parameters within the recommended range is crucial for the health and longevity of this species.

Behaviour

This butterflyfish typically exhibits a peaceful temperament within a suitable aquarium environment. However, caution should be exercised due to its tendency to feed on certain coral species and invertebrates, emphasizing the importance of choosing tankmates wisely.

Feeding and Diet

As a carnivorous species, the Eight Banded Butterflyfish requires a diet rich in meaty foods to thrive in captivity. Offering a varied diet that includes high-quality frozen or live foods tailored to mimic its natural prey will help meet its nutritional needs and overall health.

Habitat and Distribution

The Eight Banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon octofasciatus) is native to marine environments, particularly found in the Western Pacific Ocean. It inhabits coral-rich areas where it can seek refuge and feed on coral polyps and small invertebrates, showcasing its specialized ecological niche within the underwater ecosystem.