Description
Four-Eyed Butterfly Fish – Chaetodon capistratus
Overview:
The Four-Eyed Butterfly Fish is a beautiful and hardy species, named for the distinctive dark spot rimmed in white near its tail, resembling an extra “eye.” With a silvery body and delicate crosshatch pattern, this fish brings both elegance and intrigue to marine aquariums.
Origin:
Native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Bahamas, and Florida Keys.
Feeding:
Omnivorous — enjoys frozen or live mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality marine flakes or pellets, with some natural algae grazing.
Tank Mates:
Well-suited for peaceful reef and community tanks, but avoid aggressive or territorial tank mates.
Aggression:
Generally peaceful, though may be shy when first introduced.
Experience Level:
Ideal for beginner to intermediate aquarists, as it adapts well to captivity compared to many butterflyfish.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025
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Minimum Tank Size: 70+ gallons
Attractive, hardy, and unique, the Four-Eyed Butterfly Fish is a wonderful choice for aquarists looking for a peaceful and visually striking addition to their marine collection.
