Reef Butterflyfish
Chaetodon sedentarius
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Butterflyfish
Family: Chaetodontidae
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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 Reef Butterflyfish
General information
The Reef Butterflyfish is a colorful species that can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length. It has a mostly white body with black stripes and yellow-orange accents. This species is known for being peaceful and can be kept in a reef aquarium with other non-aggressive species. It is important to note that the Reef Butterflyfish is not a beginner species and should only be kept by experienced hobbyists.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, the Reef Butterflyfish feeds primarily on coral polyps, but in captivity, they will also accept a varied diet of frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood. It is important to feed them small meals multiple times a day to prevent overeating and potential health problems.
Determining sex
There are no noticeable physical differences between males and females of this species.
Breeding & spawning
The breeding and spawning of this species has not been successfully accomplished in captivity.
Diseases
Reef Butterflyfish are susceptible to common saltwater fish diseases such as ich, marine velvet, and bacterial infections. Maintaining good water quality, avoiding overfeeding, and quarantining new additions to the aquarium can help prevent these diseases.
Origination
The Reef Butterflyfish is native to the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida to Brazil, and the Gulf of Mexico. They are found primarily on coral reefs in shallow waters.
Cautions
It is important to note that the Reef Butterflyfish can nip at coral and other invertebrates in the aquarium, so it should not be kept with delicate or sessile species. They are also known to be jumpers, so a tightly fitting lid on the aquarium is necessary.
Acclimation process
It is important to properly acclimate the Reef Butterflyfish to its new environment to prevent stress and potential health problems. The drip acclimation method is recommended, slowly introducing small amounts of aquarium water to the bag or container holding the fish over the course of an hour or more.
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