Latticed Butterflyfish - (No Online Purchases)

Latticed ButterflyfishThe Latticed Butterflyfish (Chaetodon rafflesii) is a beautiful and widely distributed species, but like many butterflyfish, it presents a challenge for reef aquarium keepers due to its diet.

General Characteristics

Size: They typically grow to about 15 cm (5.9 inches) but can reach up to 18 cm (7.1 inches) in total length.

Appearance: This fish has a striking, bright yellow body with a distinctive "lattice" pattern created by the dark outlines on its scales. It also has a black bar running through its eye, a black submarginal band on its dorsal fin, and a broad black bar on its tail fin. A blue patch is often visible on its forehead. When stressed or sleeping, a dark spot may appear on the front of its body.

Habitat: The Latticed Butterflyfish is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, from Sri Lanka to the Tuamotu Islands and from Japan to the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits coral-rich areas in lagoons and protected reef flats at depths of 1 to 20 meters. It is often observed in pairs in the wild.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 75 gallons (284 liters) is recommended to provide ample space for this active swimmer and to maintain stable water parameters. A larger tank is always better.

Water Parameters: As a marine fish, it requires stable, high-quality saltwater conditions.

Temperature: 72-78°F (22.2-25.6°C).

pH: 8.1-8.4.

Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025.

Diet: This is a crucial consideration. In the wild, the Latticed Butterflyfish feeds on a variety of invertebrates, including sea anemones, polychaete worms, and the polyps of stony (scleractinian) and soft (octocorallian) corals.

Captive Feeding: While they are not as difficult to feed as obligate corallivores (like the Chevroned Butterflyfish), they can be challenging to wean onto a captive diet. They should be offered a variety of small, meaty foods like mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and other frozen preparations. Some aquarists have success by offering "feeding stones" or live foods to encourage them to eat.

Reef-Safe? No. Despite their captivating beauty, they are not considered reef-safe. They are known to nip at and consume the polyps of various corals, zoanthids, and sea anemones. While some individuals may be more "picky" than others, they are a significant risk to a mixed-invertebrate reef tank.

Temperament: The Latticed Butterflyfish is generally a peaceful fish, but it can become territorial towards other butterflyfish, especially those with similar body shapes or patterns. It is best kept as a single specimen or a verified mated pair in a spacious tank.

Tank Mates: Choose peaceful tank mates that will not outcompete the butterflyfish for food. Aggressive or boisterous fish should be avoided.

Special Considerations: Like many butterflyfish, they are known to be sensitive to poor water quality. A mature tank with excellent filtration and plenty of hiding places in the form of live rock is essential for their well-being. With proper care, they can have a long lifespan, with some reports of them living for over 14 years in captivity.