Black Spotted Butterflyfish

Black Spotted Butterflyfish

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Chaetodon nigropunctatus

Overview
Reef Compatible: WITH CAUTION
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Docile
Origin: South Asia/Africa/Red Sea

The Black-spotted Butterflyfish (Chaetodon nigropunctatus) is a fascinating marine fish found in the northwestern Indian Ocean. Here are some key details about this species:

• Description: The Black-spotted Butterflyfish has a greyish-white body marked with many longitudinal rows of dark grey spots. Its tail is black with a white margin. The dorsal fin has 13 spines and 21-23 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 18-20 soft rays. It reaches a maximum length of 14 centimeters (5.5 inches).
• Distribution: This species occurs in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and along the Arabian Sea coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
• Habitat and Behavior: Black-spotted Butterflyfish inhabit coral reefs, either of coral or rock, and sometimes sandy lagoon areas.
• Aquarium Trade: While rare in the aquarium trade, they are challenging to keep in captivity due to their specialized diet of live coral polyps.

Remember, if you’re considering keeping one in an aquarium, providing the right environment and diet is crucial!