Latticed Butterflyfish
Chaetodon rafflesi
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 Latticed Butterflyfish
General information
The Latticed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon rafflesi) is a beautiful, highly sought-after species for saltwater aquariums. They are a smaller species of butterflyfish, averaging around 6 inches (15 cm) in length. Their body is primarily white with black, intricate lattice-like markings that make them stand out in a tank. They also have a prominent black eye band and a yellow-tipped dorsal fin. The Latticed Butterflyfish is a hardy species that is generally easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner to intermediate aquarists.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, the Latticed Butterflyfish feeds primarily on coral polyps and small invertebrates. In captivity, they can be fed a varied diet that includes frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood. It is recommended to feed them small amounts several times a day, rather than one large feeding.
Determining sex
There is no external difference between males and females.
Breeding & spawning
Breeding the Latticed Butterflyfish in captivity is rare. In the wild, they form pairs to mate and release their eggs in open water, where they will float until they hatch.
Diseases
The Latticed Butterflyfish is susceptible to common saltwater diseases like ich, velvet, and bacterial infections. Proper quarantine and acclimation procedures can help prevent the introduction of diseases to your aquarium.
Origination
The Latticed Butterflyfish is native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Maldives to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Cautions
The Latticed Butterflyfish should not be kept with other aggressive fish or with other species of butterflyfish, as they can become territorial and aggressive. They may nip at soft corals, so caution should be taken when introducing them into a coral reef aquarium.
Acclimation process
Proper acclimation is crucial for the health and well-being of the Latticed Butterflyfish. They should be slowly acclimated to the water conditions in the aquarium over the course of several hours. It is also recommended to quarantine the fish for at least two weeks before introducing them to the main aquarium.
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