Lined Butterflyfish
Chaetodon lineolatus
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Butterflyfish
Family: Butterflyfish
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Lined Butterflyfish
General information
The Lined Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus) is a popular saltwater aquarium species due to its striking appearance. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length and has a vertical stripe pattern of white and black lines that run the length of its body. This species is generally peaceful and can be kept in small groups of 3-5 individuals in a tank of at least 75 gallons.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, Lined Butterflyfish feed on a diet of coral polyps, small crustaceans, and algae. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of prepared aquarium foods including flakes, pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure the fish receive all necessary nutrients.
Determining sex
It is difficult to distinguish between male and female Lined Butterflyfish without observing them during spawning.
Breeding & spawning
Lined Butterflyfish are not commonly bred in captivity.
Diseases
Lined Butterflyfish are generally hardy and disease-resistant when kept in a well-maintained aquarium. However, they are susceptible to common saltwater fish diseases such as marine ich and marine velvet. Quarantining new fish before introducing them to an established aquarium can help prevent the spread of disease.
Origination
The Lined Butterflyfish is found in the western Pacific Ocean, including the Great Barrier Reef, and throughout the Indian Ocean.
Cautions
Lined Butterflyfish are generally peaceful but may become aggressive towards other butterflyfish or similarly shaped fish. They should not be kept with aggressive fish species.
Acclimation process
It is important to acclimate Lined Butterflyfish slowly to their new aquarium to reduce stress and prevent disease. The drip acclimation method is recommended, slowly adding small amounts of water from the aquarium to the fish's transport bag over the course of an hour or more.
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