Arabian butterflyfish
Chaetodon melapterus
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 Arabian butterflyfish
General information
The Arabian butterflyfish, also known as the Black-tailed Butterflyfish, is a small, colorful saltwater fish that is native to the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. It typically reaches a length of around 6 inches (15 cm) and has a compressed, oval-shaped body with a pointed snout and a small mouth. The Arabian butterflyfish is predominantly yellow with a black stripe running horizontally along the body, a black tail, and a black patch on the head behind the eye.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, the Arabian butterflyfish feeds mainly on small crustaceans, polyps, and algae. In an aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet consisting of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and krill, as well as spirulina and other marine algae.
Determining sex
It is difficult to determine the sex of Arabian butterflyfish as they do not exhibit any external sexual dimorphism. However, when kept in pairs, they may form a monogamous bond and display courtship behavior.
Breeding & spawning
Breeding Arabian butterflyfish in captivity is rare and challenging. They have not been successfully bred in captivity without the use of hormones or other forms of manipulation.
Diseases
Arabian butterflyfish are generally hardy and resistant to disease when kept in a properly maintained aquarium. However, like all saltwater fish, they are susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Quarantining new fish before introducing them to an established tank and maintaining good water quality are important measures to prevent disease outbreaks.
Origination
The Arabian butterflyfish is native to the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, where it inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas with strong currents.
Cautions
Arabian butterflyfish are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive species in a reef aquarium. However, they may nip at the polyps of some corals, so caution should be exercised when selecting tankmates.
Acclimation process
When introducing Arabian butterflyfish to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate them slowly to the new water conditions. This can be done by floating the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for about 30 minutes, then gradually adding small amounts of water from the tank to the bag over the course of an hour. After this, the fish can be released into the aquarium.
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