Eight-banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon octofasciatus)
One of the smallest butterflyfish species, the Eight-banded Butterflyfish grows up to 5″ in captivity. It has a slender body with a yellow coloration and eight distinct black vertical stripes, giving it a striking appearance in a saltwater aquarium.
Native to coral reef environments, this fish prefers areas with abundant hiding spots such as live rock and complex structures. It is generally peaceful but is not reef-safe due to its diet of coral polyps and crustaceans. It may also feed on Tridacna clams.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chaetodon octofasciatus |
| Maximum Size | 5 inches |
| Behavior | Peaceful, corallivore |
| Habitat | Live rock, coral-rich environments |
| Reef Safe | No |
FAQ
Is the Eight-banded Butterflyfish safe to keep with other reef fish?
No, this fish is not reef safe. It feeds on coral polyps and crustaceans, which can harm other reef inhabitants.
What kind of environment does this fish need in an aquarium?
It requires plenty of hiding places such as live rock and a large swimming area to feel secure and display natural behavior.
How difficult is it to care for this species?
It is considered one of the most difficult fish to keep due to its specific dietary needs and sensitivity to water conditions.
Sonia Mitchell –
This fish looks beautiful in the tank with the right setup. I provided plenty of live rock and kept water parameters stable. It’s active and hides well during the day. Just make sure you don’t have any coral or clams in the tank.
Madeleine Ball –
It’s a stunning fish, but I had to remove some of my coral after a few weeks. The fish is not aggressive, but it does eat on polyps. I now keep it in a dedicated tank with no reef life.
Julian Scott –
After months of research, I finally got this fish. It’s very active and shows off its colors well. The only downside is it requires a lot of space and careful planning to avoid damaging other tank inhabitants.