Spotband Butterflyfish
Chaetodon punctatofasciatus
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Butterflyfish
Family: Chaetodontidae
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
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 Spotband Butterflyfish
General information
The Spotband Butterflyfish is a small-sized saltwater fish that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length. This species is known for its distinct black spot on the dorsal fin and vertical yellowish-orange stripes across its body. It's a peaceful and active fish that requires a minimum tank size of 50 gallons to accommodate its active nature. The Spotband Butterflyfish is reef safe but it's important to ensure that it's not kept with overly aggressive fish species.
Diet & nutrition
The Spotband Butterflyfish is omnivorous and will consume a varied diet consisting of algae, small crustaceans, and invertebrates. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of frozen or fresh shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other small meaty foods. It's important to feed them multiple times a day to meet their nutritional needs.
Determining sex
There are no visible differences between male and female Spotband Butterflyfish.
Breeding & spawning
The Spotband Butterflyfish has not been successfully bred in captivity.
Diseases
The Spotband Butterflyfish is relatively hardy and not susceptible to many diseases if the water conditions are maintained properly. However, they can be susceptible to the usual saltwater diseases such as marine ich, velvet, and other parasitic infections.
Origination
The Spotband Butterflyfish is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, specifically around the Fiji Islands, Samoa, and Tonga.
Cautions
The Spotband Butterflyfish is generally a hardy species, but caution should be exercised when introducing them to a new aquarium. They may be susceptible to parasitic infections if water conditions are not maintained properly.
Acclimation process
It's important to acclimate the Spotband Butterflyfish slowly to their new environment to avoid stress and ensure they adapt properly. Drip acclimation is recommended, and the process should take no less than an hour.
All photos
Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.