Meyers Butterflyfish
Chaetodon meyeri
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 Meyers Butterflyfish
General information
Meyer's Butterflyfish is a small, peaceful, and colorful species that can grow up to 5 inches in length. It has a flat, round body with a black coloration on its back and a yellow-orange coloration on its underside. This species is best kept in a tank of at least 50 gallons with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing.
Diet & nutrition
In the wild, Meyer's Butterflyfish feeds on a diet of algae, small invertebrates, and coral polyps. In captivity, it can be fed a diet of frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, chopped krill, and other meaty foods. It is important to also supplement their diet with vegetable matter, such as spirulina or algae flakes.
Determining sex
There is no visible difference between male and female Meyer's Butterflyfish.
Breeding & spawning
Breeding Meyer's Butterflyfish in captivity is rare. In the wild, this species forms pairs during mating season and spawns in the water column.
Diseases
Meyer's Butterflyfish are susceptible to common marine diseases, such as marine ich and marine velvet. To prevent disease, it is important to maintain good water quality and avoid introducing sick fish into the tank.
Origination
Meyer's Butterflyfish is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and the Hawaiian Islands.
Cautions
Meyer's Butterflyfish is generally considered reef-safe, but may nip at coral polyps and other invertebrates. It is important to provide plenty of hiding places and live rock for grazing to prevent this behavior.
Acclimation process
Meyer's Butterflyfish should be acclimated slowly to the tank environment. It is recommended to float the sealed bag in the tank for 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature to equalize, then add small amounts of tank water to the bag every 5-10 minutes for about an hour before releasing the fish into the tank.
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